Dear Diana,
I'm 26 and my girlfriend is 23. We feel that we have a future together. But the problem is that in her house there are six dogs. I'm not a dog lover, so I dread going to her house as they pounce on me and start licking me. What do I do? Sometimes one of her dogs accompanies us for a stroll and I get uncomfortable. I dread dogs.
— Manish


Illustration/Amit Bandre 

Dear Manish,
As you are not a dog lover, your girlfriend has to understand your predicament and make you a dog lover. When you are visiting the house, she should ensure that the dogs are kept away from you. Over a period of time, they will get comfortable with you and not pounce on you when you visit them. Also, try to be friendly to them, instead of showing that you are scared of them. Your girlfriend can help you in a big way to make yourself comfortable and make you a dog lover.