I absolutely detest my father-in-law. In fact, I am often tempted to murder him. He is a supercilious human being whose only aim in life is to demean me and tell me how unfit I am for his daughter. He is forcing me to opt for a different career path which will earn me more money than my job as an accountant. My parents have also faced humiliation. But his darling daughter is not ready to hear a single word against daddy dear. What must I do to stop this nonsense?

Name and address withheld

Nothing. Just wait for him to die or for your wife to run away to someone he chooses. It is quite clear, you will always remain a loser, at least in his eyes for sure. He must be cursing the day his daughter married you and after reading your letter, I am not the wee bit surprised. There is very little for you to do. As I have said before, an accountant’s life is not exactly the most glamorous in the world though I adore the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (they’ve been upset with me in the past hence this joyous disclaimer) so I don’t entirely blame the father of the girl. You have very little options and in this case son, you cannot even begin to balance the books. So, enjoy the rest of your miserable life.

I am a divorcee, about to remarry. Suddenly my ex-husband got in touch with me and now once again I feel weak. I want to return to him and stay with him. But again I cannot forget the drunken beatings. What must I do?

Name and address withheld

Just ignore the rogue. He will never change unless of course he has been certified to have a weak liver and can no longer drink. Look darling, it is not just worth taking the risk all over again. It is better being a divorcee than being beaten every time your husband has his favourite tipple so carry on with your single life and pray to god you meet some nice tee- totaller like me on the way...

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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