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Regular-article-logo Monday, 18 August 2025

Survival Strategies

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Suhel Seth Has An Unconventional Take On Personal Problems — And Their Solutions Published 08.07.12, 12:00 AM

I am a 26-year-old man. My girl friend from five years ago recently called me. Of course, I was surprised, more so because she claimed she was still in love with me. I must mention here that it was she who ended the relationship. Now she is engaged to a rich dude her father chose for her. But she insists she wants to be with me. Her call made me realise that I still have feelings for her but I don’t know what I should do now. Please help.

Name and address withheld

Look son, in these times, there are things known as wrong numbers. She dialled you to make you feel miserable. To remind you how poor and inept you are and just to turn the knife even sharper, she told you she loves you so that for the next five years you wallow in self-pity and hopefully turn into a raging homosexual. This is exactly what she wanted to do and given your letter, she has done very well in turning you into a cringing sod. Look son, my advice is forget her and move on with what little is left of your miserable life.

I am an 18-year-old woman. A couple of years ago, one of my friends professed his love for me. At that point I was unsure, and to an extent scared, and rejected his proposal. However, over time I have fallen in love with him. In the meantime he has moved to another city and is seeing another girl. I am at a complete loss. What must I do?

Name and address withheld

Look darling, opportunity in today’s times hardly knocks even once and you’ve already screwed up so what can I say? You are young and we have a gender imbalance in this country so you will ‘always’ have some man or the other waiting to fall in love with you. And by the way, at 18, you can barely read, so, what are you telling me you know everything about love? Love will happen to you when you age...

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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