I am a 29-year-old woman. I have gone through a bad relationship that lasted two years. And now I am wary of trusting any other man. Meanwhile, my parents are looking for a match for me. Should I agree to marriage or take more time? My best friend says marriage would help me heal faster since I’ll have a companion to share my life with. What must I do?

Name and address withheld

Of course, you should get married. Marriage is a superb institution where people find true love, fidelity and the respect of society. It is the only thing in the world that drives insane men, sane and keeps women all calm and faithful. Look at marriages around you and see how they have benefited humanity. For instance, if Rajiv and Sonia hadn’t married, would we ever have got a leader like Rahul? So, get married as soon as you can and happiness will touch every part of your tormented body and soul.

My sister is a compulsive liar. She means no harm but can’t stop making up stories about her life. But imagine what my banker father goes through when people ask for the address of his gold shop. Or how do you think I feel when people ask me why I didn’t invite them for my engagement at a time when I am going through a painful break-up. And it’s all her doing. How can we help her and ourselves?

Name and address withheld

She is now utterly insane. She has only one option left. She must join politics and try and get into Parliament, as soon as possible, where wise folks like Laloo Prasad Yadav will drill sense into her. She could also try and elope with Bilawal Bhutto but then he is very occupied with Hina. My advice is ignore her and soon she will stop or if you really want to insult her, then one day, call her a liar, declare her delusional and give her one tight slap. That seems the best option.

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)