I have recently shifted back to Calcutta and moved into the same building as my ex-boyfriend. Of course, I had no idea that he stayed there. He is married now and his wife is a nice woman who has been a very helpful neighbour too. She knows nothing of my past relationship with her husband. Now the problem is that my ex-boyfriend is leaving no opportunity to knock at my door. He calls me at odd hours and invites me over (he makes his wife call) every other day. I feel uncomfortable because I still have feelings for him. How must I tackle the situation without moving out?

Name and address withheld

This is truly amazing...I have been looking out for such good luck but alas. Look girl, this man is having his cake and wants to eat you too. As simple. He is a devious little brat like most men. The call is yours. You don’t have to leave home just because you don’t want to mingle with neighbours. So the next time his wife calls, tell her you are busy. When you tell her thrice she will get the message unless of course she is a politician.

A good friend of mine wants me to introduce him to my cousin sister because he is madly in love with her. Knowing my cousin and her ways I know she will break his heart once she has had a few days’ fun. Of course, I can’t say this to my friend. He is a very good man and doesn’t deserve to be treated the way my sister treats men. How must I help him?

Name and address withheld

Be honest, and tell the guy that your sister is evil. There is no way you should let him go down the chute because of an errant cousin such as yours. He is a simple trusting fellow from what you tell me. Why would you want him to be in love with a woman who is clearly a gorgon. By the way, can you introduce ME to your cousin?

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