Dear Diana,
I am 29. I work as a receptionist. My parents did not choose to educate me in a good school and so I am very weak in English. So though I am very capable, I fail to get better jobs as they all require that I be able to speak English fluently.

I am also unable to increase my social standing or find a good man because of this. My parents found a guy for me last July who had studied engineering but he hadn't got a job. So I rejected his proposal, but now his parents are insisting that they really like me and are eager for the match.

My parents want me to agree. They are not willing to listen to me as I don't have much of an income. What do I do? I have always focussed on my career though I have not been very successful. I hope to at least be successful in my marriage. Please tell me how to do this.

Tohida

Dear Tohida,
Let's fix one thing at a time. The marriage thing is more pressing, as your parents are pushing you to get hitched. Is the only problem you have with the guy selected by your parents that he doesn't have a job? If he's a nice guy from a nice family, maybe you can wait till he lands a job before you marry him? As for knowing English, you can teach yourself.

There are lots of books available. You could have a tutor or attend some English speaking classes. You can also learn pronunciations and conversations on the Internet. None of this will cost you too much. Try and speak in English as much as you can.

That will help you gain confidence. The more time you spend learning the language, the better you will get at it. Don't give up. IF you don't want to marry this guy, whether he has a job or not, and your parents still force you, move to a women's hostel. This will also help you improve your social skills.u00a0u00a0

Can a condom keep me from getting pregnant?

Dear Diana,
I had an arranged marriage in December.u00a0 I have never been with a guy before. I'm scared to death of getting pregnant. I want to wait at least a year. I want to know if I really have that much to worry about even when he uses a condom?