I am 15 and my exams are going on. Even though I’m quite a good student and do well consistently it has become very difficult for me to concentrate. My parents constantly quarrel with each other. Though they love and understand each other they argue a lot. I am worried as all this is affecting my studies. Help.

Name and address withheld

If you’ve been their child for so long you do know they behave this way all the time so why are you surprised and what’s more, why are you letting this get under your skin. If I was you, I’d imagine it’s some political rally and ignore it and continue to study. There is a simpler way too: buy yourself some cotton and stuff it in your ears. If you can buy a roll of it, then stuff it into their mouths.

I am a 16-year-old boy. I don’t like to go to school or tuition. I am afraid of the outside world so I never interact with outsiders. However, this is making me a loner and isn’t good for my confidence at all. Please help.

Name and address withheld

If this is the issue, then join a monastery son. Even the Dalai Lama has now vacated his position so you could head off there too: imagine the delightful momos and Chinese currency you will have access to. If all else fails, join the Communist Party in Bengal: they will not be showing their faces in public for at least five years so you too could be in a dungeon with Biman Bose and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee: this will certainly bolster your confidence son.

I am in a relationship with a beautiful married woman who has a son. She is around my age. We love each other unconditionally. We want to continue with this relationship for as long as possible without jeopardising her married life. How can we do that?

Name and address withheld

Jeopardising? Well I guess she will have to divorce her husband unless of course you are so convincing that you can convince her husband to live with all of them and have a happy foursome. Are you nuts or what? Obviously she will have to take some dramatic steps unless she considers you just a squeeze: which is actually what I think you are.       

HELP AT HAND

Alcoholics anonymous

10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta - 25
Ph: 2419 1174
For free help on alcoholism
E-mail: aakolkata_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)

Pronam

38/1, Beltala Road,Calcutta - 19
Senior Citizen’s Emergency
Co-ordination Control Room
Ph: 2419 0740