On a recent visit to my aunt’s place I was shocked by my cousin’s behaviour. He threw himself at me and cracked lewd jokes and even suggested a physical intimacy. In fact, he tried to get intimate with me in the absence of the elders. I am too scared to confide in my family members. What must I do?
Name and address withheld
Nothing. Just enjoy the attention and do nothing. Remember incest is best if the two partners are interesting: in your case, I don’t think you are very happy about the situation so just play it out. Having said that, it is precisely the silence of you women that goes on to make these men the rogue predators they become: so here is what I suggest. Record his advances on a BlackBerry or iPhone or whatever the hell you use; then circulate it among your family members and if they are still not convinced, then call the cops. If that too fails, then call Times Now....
My mother is involved in an affair with a younger man. My father and brother haven’t the least idea about this. My parents have not been a happy couple but they have been wonderful in the role of our parents. I am in a fix now. Should I let my father know of my mother’s indiscretion or should I keep quiet so that my mother can have her chance at love?
Name and address withheld
Look darling, all married women fall in love after marriage but with someone other than their husband. Happy marriages died with Yash Chopra. Age is only a number. You should feel relieved that your mother is finally getting some action and I do not mean it crudely. She is happy and you should let her be. It is for that dolt father of yours to find out and if he is such a twat that he doesn’t even know, then he deserves an adulterer wife. You stay out of it darling and in the process if you raise some hackles and step on some un-manicured toes, well…then so be 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
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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
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.
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