I am a 17-year-old boy. I have my board exams in six months. My brother is the only person who can help me with my studies. But he has got a job and left for Mumbai. They require him to stay there for three months and complete his training. I am really scared that I will fare badly if he is not around at this time. What should I do?

Name and address withheld

Nothing. Prepare to fail, you dolt. What kind of a wimp are you? You need your brother to help you pass an exam? What’s going to happen when you get married and need to have children? Aren’t you scared of your enduring inadequacy or do you actually believe you can live your life being such a wimpish dependent. My suggestion is either find a new brother (which may be slightly difficult) or a good tutor (which may be far easier) and hope to pass. That is the only way forward, son.

I am an 18-year-old man. I am in a relationship with a girl. She is extremely attractive and intelligent and recently joined an engineering college. There are many boys there who ask her out regularly. She says she doesn’t really care about them and has promised that she only loves me. But the proposals are getting more plentiful and romantic by the day. I’m confused and it leaves me feeling insecure. What would you suggest?

Name and address withheld

This is only the beginning young man. This saga will get steamier and more interesting and the next time you write to me, you will be contemplating jumping off the Howrah Bridge. I know how these stories end. My advice is, you are just 18: so perish this love bit. There is no love at 18. Only lust. And bearing that in mind, steel yourself for a roller-coaster ride. This woman is already pressing the right buttons hoping to make you envious. She is a devious little gorgon and my suggestion is enjoy (her) while it lasts. Because it ain’t going to last very long, rest assured.

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)

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