I am seeing a guy for a year now. Recently, he invited me over to meet his cousin. I was excited about meeting her but all my excitement ebbed at the sight of her. She happens to be one of my classmates from school and we have been at loggerheads . However, I reasoned that we were only children then and she must have long gotten over it. But she made sure she brought up all the embarrassing stuff from our school days, adding a lot of colour to the original version, of course. I am scared she might influence my boyfriend and his family against me. What must I do?
Name and address withheld
If your boyfriend is such a wimp, then let him go. In fact, be cruel and spice up your past even more if and when you do decide to dump him. Look it is very simple: men are men and they all have double standards. If they screw around, then it’s machismo, if a woman does, then she is slutty and if your boyfriend falls into the category of the average Indian male then you’d be better off not having him in your life. As for his cousin, the next time you meet her, just pretend to wish her and instead give her one tight slap.
Until a while ago I was appreciated at my workplace for my straightforwardness. Suddenly they are calling me rude and insensitive for the same reason. My colleagues have almost alienated me. I do not know what has gone wrong. Please help.
Name and address withheld
Nothing has gone wrong. They are just feeling threatened and my advice to you is remain the way you are. Just don’t give in. They would like you to be the doormat they are and if you do that, you will quite simply be playing into their hands. My suggestion is become even ruder if that is possible and enjoy the isolation. Just make sure you are not that rude that they have to sack you!
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)
