Diana Smythe Diana Smythe loves Mumbai after having moved here with her husband this year. Her experience in observing people and her travels across the world have equipped Diana to solve all your relationship problems. Familiarity breeds speculation, in my case... Dear Diana, I am a 25-year-old guy in love with my childhood friend. She is eight years younger than me. Last year I realised that I love her. She is in Std 12. I told her I want to talk to her about something personal so that she gets the hint. She realised what I wanted to ask her and made sure I knew that she was worried about our relationship. The problem is that we are good family friends since childhood and have grown up more like siblings. Also, her parents may not agree to this relationship though I have tried to get it across to them that I like her. On the other hand, my parents have no problem with the relationship. She likes me a lot. Please advise me how to convince her parents that I really love her very much and that I want her at any cost. Pradeep Dear Pradeep, Let’s look at this from her parents’ point of view. You both have known each other for years, and in her parents head, you’ve been like siblings. It can’t be easy for them to accept overnight that you both now want to get together as a couple. Give them time to get used to the idea. I am sure they will come around. Have a chat with her parents. Tell her that you are very fond of their daughter and will keep her very happy. Assure them that she too cares for you, and although it may seem weird to them, the truth is that you’ve both discovered feelings for each other. Make them understand that you cannot plan who you fall in love with. And the fact that you’ve practically grown up together and know each other so well, can only help the relationship. Let a little time pass after you talk to them. Don’t pressurise them. Tell them you only want them to think about the case you put forth. If they are still not convinced, have your parents talk to them. I am sure it will all work out well.     It just ain’t working out Dear Diana, I am a 22-year-old girl. I have been going around with this guy for the past five years and we want to marry now. My parents have accepted him. But his parents are against us as they are very orthodox and we both belong to different castes. His father says that he will leave the house if we get married and the mother has no say she just keeps crying saying that either she will lose her son’s happiness or her husband. His dad met my dad and clearly said no. My guy is losing hope and I do not want to lose him. He loves his mom very much and also wants me, please what should we do Leena Dear Leena, You know my dear, if his father is trying blackmail, why don’t you try the same? If his father says he will leave the house if he gets married to you, tell your boyfriend to tell them that he will leave the house if they decide to get him married to someone else. Let him make it very clear that he wants you in his life, and if he doesn’t get to do that, then he’ll remain single. It’s just the matter of who gives in to pressure first. If this doesn’t work, then as your parents are open to this match, go ahead and get married in court. Eventually, his parents will come around. And even if they don’t, well at least, you will have each other. . He’s gone off the radar... Dear Diana, I am an 18-year-old girl. Two years ago, I met a boy and fell deeply in love with him. I used to meet him everyday in college. After a year, he went to America and promised to return by the time I finished my graduation. One year has passed and there’s still no sign of him. I tried his number but to no avail. I am getting worried about him and this is affecting my personal life. I am not concentrating on my studies. Please offer some suggestions Zena Dear Zena, Long distance relationships don’t last. Maybe this guy found someone else and has gone off the radar on purpose. One year is too long a time, if he wanted to stay in touch, I am sure he would’ve called or emailed you. If you are worried that something bad has happened to him, I suggest  you call his house and find out if he’s okay. Or have a male friend call, if you don’t want any complications. Try and get his new number or email ID, and call him or email him. Tell him that you don’t want to pursue him if he’s not interested but he owes it to you. I suggest you end it with dignity. Tell him that you’d appreciate if he’d write back. And finally wish him all the best, and get on with your life.