I am a 27-year-old woman. Love has always taken a backseat in my life. Studies and extra-curricular activities gave me the ultimate high. Though a couple of men had professed their love for me, I never encouraged them. Right now I’m teaching in a college and it’s here that I have fallen head over heels for a colleague. He is an absolute no- nonsense person. I have already told a couple of my colleagues about my feelings but haven’t had the courage to talk to this man. How do I approach him and convey my feelings?

Sromona Dutta, Durgapur

Take a few steps up to him when you see him next. Roll your tongue in your mouth and then try and let the words flow out of your virginal mouth. Speak to him in a language that he may understand and tell him you care for him and you think you love him. If he walks away, you can then retire and become a nun. If he doesn’t then send me a wedding invitation as well. See how simple life is?

I am a single, working woman. Recently I have shifted to a new housing complex. My neighbours are a big time nuisance and give me a real headache. They are an extremely curious bunch and always keep an eye on me. And they haven’t stopped at that and have started asking me personal questions. I tried giving them a cold shoulder but it hasn’t changed things. I can’t afford to move to another place soon. What do I do?

Sneha Singh, via e-mail

Nothing. Just ignore them and make them feel even more miserable. That’s the way to kill these fellows’ curiosity. The only way. In fact if you really want to make them feel miserable, invent some late-night escapades and share it with them. If I were you, I would stay put and never think of moving out at all. It is just not worth it!

Recently, my 10-year-old daughter has become verbally abusive. I think she has picked up things from school. I have spoken to her class teacher but she didn’t pay much heed to my words. I don’t want to be harsh with my daughter but am really worried about her. Please help me.

Seema Ghosh, Calcutta

There is no immediate remedy. You just have to be calm about it and relax. Try talking to your daughter and use the values/morals route to drill sense into her. To blame it all on the school is silly and escapist. You will ultimately have to be responsible for her and she must know that you are and feel responsible thus.

I am fond of tattoos but my parents don’t see them as a form of art like I feel. They feel that tattoos will damage my skin. I have even taken them to a salon to show how the tattooing process is done but haven’t been able to change their minds. Do I listen to my parents or go ahead with my tattoo plans?

Rohan Bannerjee, via e-mail

Just go ahead. Get ‘silly jerk’ tattooed on your forehead since I believe this is the most popular slogan for any form of self-acclaim. This tattoo rubbish is for the likes of desperate film actresses and their ilk. Not for bright people. But then since you seem to be an oaf, what more can I say?