Q: I am a 50-year-old young-at-heart man and have developed a friendship with a 25-year-old guy who lives nearby. A week ago his parents left on a long holiday, asking me to keep an eye on him. Now I find that a girl calls on him regularly and at all odd hours. She calls herself his cousin and he also welcomes her in a brotherly way. But then the girl was never around when his parents were here. How do I tackle this?

Priyangshu,
Maligaon

 

A: Live and let live. Your friend is an adult, and there is no need to keep an eye on him or even report back to his parents. He is within his rights to entertain whomsoever he wishes without you butting in. But if you are anxious why don’t you drop in when the girl is around and check out what’s going on? Anything more and your friend will soon tell you to mind your own business. If the young man is your friend you will wait for him to tell you about his “real” relationship with the girl.

 

Q: I do not get along with my mother-in-law. She recently called up to say that she would stay with us for a few months. I am a regular drinker and often throw parties for my friends. Now, my wife is insisting that I should “behave” and not drink during my mom-in-law’s stay at our place so as not to widen the distance between her and me. This is going to be really difficult. Help.

Name and address withheld

A: Your wife is right when she says that the distance between you and your mother-in-law should not be widened. You must understand that in the end, it is your wife who suffers as she is torn between you both. Try and be amiable with your mother-in-law. As far as your drinking is concerned, please try and refrain yourself.

 

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