I am a 24-year-old man. I am obs-essed with my girlfriend. I think of her all day. I can’t concentrate on anything else. My studies, social life and other relationships are suffering because of this. Is there a way to control it? Please help.

Name and address withheld

Help? You are doing just fine. Look son, you are special. Unlike many who are obsessing about money, murder and machines. Aren’t we all relieved that all you are obsessing about is some silly cow you seem to be in love with. This too shall pass. The day shall come when you will see her in the arms of your best friend and when she dumps you for infidelity. That’s the day you can return to Freedom Park or Ramlila Ground to worry about corruption. Till then enjoy her, enjoy this manic feeling because like everything else in life, it is always too good to last. Given the kind of person you seem, I hardly think anyone would even miss the fact that you are not talking to them or that you are in another orbit.

I am an 18-year-old boy. I have been in a relationship with a girl for about a year. The problem is that I come from a Muslim family while she is a Hindu. Her brother wants her to get rid of me. He says there is no future in this kind of relationship and that she should forget that it’s ever going to work out. What should I do? I really love her and don’t want to hurt her.

Name and address withheld

Hang in there son. The brother will also learn. Today, this whole Muslim-Hindu is passé. Didn’t you notice how happy were were to see Rabani Khar, Pakistan’s foreign minister when she came visiting. Ultimately it is always about the looks and never about the religion. Would any Hindu say no to marrying Katrina Kaif? Forget it. Even the VHP wouldn’t. So my suggestion is give it time. You are just 18. You will find a way to get what you want and in case you don’t, you can always go on a fast and demand it.

HELP AT HAND

Alcoholics anonymous

10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta - 25,
Ph: 2419 1174
For free help on alcoholism
E-mail: akolkata_ig03@rediffmail.com
(2p.m. to 6p.m. Mondays through Saturdays)

Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics)

Ph : 8420738682
(2p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays)
www.india.al-anon.alateen.org

Narcotics anonymous

(Kolkata area helpline)
Ph: 9836223071; www.nakolkata.org
Email: info@nakolkata.org
Self-help group of recovering addicts

HelpAge India

1800-345-1253
Free helpline for the elderly for social, legal, economical, financial counselling and also access to government schemes and policies

Lifeline Foundation

Ph: 2463 7401/ 2463 7432
Free helpline for the depressed or suicidal
(10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays)

Sparsha

AE-36, Rabindra Pally, PO: Prafulla Kanan, Calcutta - 01
Ph: 2591 0334, 2591 3852, 6529, 9856
Free tele-counselling and one-on-one counselling on personal relationships and HIV/ AIDS
(10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays)

If you have questions for Mr Seth, write to: graphiti@abpmail.com