I am a 15-year-old boy. My classmates keep making fun of me because of my dark complexion. They call me rude and nasty names. They keep saying that I look horrible. I am getting sick and tired of this. Even when I try to reason with them and tell them to stop they do not listen. All this leads to confrontations and more name calling. I feel very hurt. Is how I look all that matters? Please help.
Name and address withheld
Trust me, there is nothing to be depressed about just because you are dark. Complexion worries are for idiots and not for wise people. We are not living in the dark ages (no pun intended) so the next time any one tells you about your complexion, feel free to whack the person. And then go on to point how the fair have not inherited the earth. You may if you wish, also mention a certain Barack Obama and closer home, Jagjivan Ram though the latter is thankfully dead!
My 12-year-old cousin has a 14- year-old ‘boyfriend’. He sends her extremely suggestive texts and gets very hot and heavy physically. My cousin says she is in love with him. She gets really angry with me whenever I warn her to stay away from him. Her grades have taken a heavy blow. She is too engrossed in this sordid affair to concentrate on academics. However, she is too young to understand love. What should I do to make her realise this? Please help.
Name and address withheld
Do nothing and stop coming in the way. Let her enjoy her moments of heavy breathing as it were. Look what can you do after all? By asking her to stop this affair or whatever the hell it is, she is not going to stop so if at least two people are enjoying themselves, why on earth do you want to be the party-pooper? Let them be and instead the next time you write to me, share some of the messages. It has been a long time since I read Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
HELP AT HAND
Alcoholics anonymous
10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta - 25, Ph: 2419 1174
For free help on alcoholism
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Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics)
Ph : 8420738682
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www.india.al-anon.alateen.org
Narcotics anonymous (Kolkata area helpline)
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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
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Free helpline for the depressed or suicidal
(10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays)
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