Illustration / Satish Acharya
Dear Diana,
A friend of mine (let's call her N) liked a guy and finally mustered the courage to profess her love (all this happened in a temple).but she broke down and couldnt. That guy (M) gave us his number. Of the three of us (N, P and me), only I had the guts to call him. On calling him, I realised he was interested in P and just wanted to be friends with me. He recently sent me an SMS that says we should be friends. I now feel that I have fallen for him and that N still likes him.P hates M, though. I don't know what to do. You see, I'm only 15 and he's 21. But that hardly matters. The problem is he's a playboy (going by what my friends who know him tell me. Also, I can't go around with M as N is a very dear friend.
Name withheld on request
Dear Friend,
M likes you as a friend and little else. He's interested in P, who doesn't care adamn about him. N's story is the saddest. She likes M, but can't get herself to tell him that she does. If only sh'ed open up without fear of rejection! But if this guy's got a bad repuation of two-timing, I think the lot of you should stay away from him. And besides, you're only 15 (still a minor), so it's best you stay out of this mess a little longer until the dust settles down. Besides wouldn't it be better if you simply backed off for a bit until things cooled down?
They hate love marriages!
Dear Diana,
I've been in a relationship with a guy for seven years. He is very caring and loving a perfect life partner. But he can't marry me because he comes from a religious family where love marriages are treated like a hell. He told me he cannot take any decision against them. I can't live without him. I tried to end it but he kept saying he needed me and couldn't stay without me and cried. But how long will this work? I love him and my future is almost zero without him and I can't even tolerate any other person in my life. What do I do?
Nicki
Dear Nicki,
Why don't you get your parents to 'arrange' the marriage. That way, both your families can be happy. And besides, religion has nothing to do with love. That's one truth they have to understand. And after seven years, if he cannot stand up to them, he really doesn't deserve you. All those crocodile tears mean nothing. If he cannot stay without you, he'll do anything to be with you, no? Even go against the grain and fight his parents for you?
What if I don't get to complete my studies?
Dear Diana,
I'm 19. I recently completed my undergraduate studies and am engaged to be married to my childhood friend. His folks have indicated that they cannot wait for me to complete my studies before we get married. I'd like to complete my MBA and launch myself into a career before I tie the knot. Also, I'm afraid that they may not let me complete my further studies
Nitika
Dear Nitika,
If you have their word, I don't see the reason for the fuss. All you have to do is ask the guy you're marrying clear out if this is a problem. If it is, you'll break off the engagement however much it hurts you inside. Tomorrow, you don't want to feel you've missed out on something you wanted. If he understands that, well and good. Otherwise, take a call
