Dear Diana,

A few years ago I enrolled for a course. I was the only girl in a class full of guys. One day, this funny/nerdy guy sat next to me and was genuinely nice to me.

Over the next few days, we became friends. The other guys started teasing us, insinuating that we were dating, which was annoying!

Anyway, we continued to stay friends during the two years of the course and even after it ended. He is now one of my best friends.



Everyone says he loves me and that he treats me differently than he does other girls. I've never believed this but it has made me uncomfortable at times.

Recently he's been getting attention from some girls, after he's 'blossomed' and is now reasonably attractive.
u00a0
Today, a friend of mine was cooing about how handsome he is and I felt weird. I feel possesive about him suddenly. Does this mean I like him? I know this is irrational and stupid, but I can't help it.
u00a0
If it turns out I do like him, what do I do? Risk telling him I like him and ruin our friendship?

Kanchan
Dear Kanchan,

I think you like him, whether or not you are ready to accept this. Otherwise, you would not care the least if other girls were flirting with him.

You wouldn't even acknowledge that they were and if you did, you would make a joke of it with him. You wouldn't get jealous.

Your jealousy is a sign of you wanting more than just his friendship. Don't worry too much that if you tell him what you feel, you'll lose his friendship.

While that possibility does exist, from what you say, it seems he likes you too and wants to be more than your friend.
u00a0
You should definitely try and get your feelings across to him. This could be a great relationship for both of you. You never know, you guys could be together and happy for a long time.

Will distance break us up?

Dear Diana,

My boyfriend is moving from Mumbai to Pune to continue his studies. He says that we will still see each other every weekend and but we can't afford to take the train to meet every day. I am afraid we will drift apart. Help!

Urvashi
Dear Urvashi,

If you can't meet often, do simple things like talking to each other over the phone, texting or chatting online.
u00a0
You just need to show him you are there for him and are thinking of him, even when he is away. As long as you both communicate well, you can beat this distance thing.

Bill ka mamla hai dilbar...
Dear Diana,

I have been married for two years. Both of us work and earn decent salaries.

The house we live in belonged to his parents, so that is taken care of. But ever since we got married, I have been paying the bills from groceries to electricity and phone and now I feel that I am running the house on my own.

I didn't mind it initially but after my mother pointed it out, it has started bothering me.

The only thing he has spent on are some repairs and renovations to the house. I don't want us to bicker over the bills, but I can't continue like this. What should I do?

Girija
Dear Girija,

There is no hard and fast rule as to who should pay the bills in a marriage. Different couples reach different financial solutions.

However, I would feel the same way if I was in your place. Have a chat with your husband. Tell him that you want to start saving for your future together and so, it would not be possible for you to spend all your money on paying bills anymore.

Tell him to share the household expenses, so you can put that money aside for the future. He can pay for the repairs, electricity, your house phone, while you take care of the groceries, or vice versa. Just figure out a way that you both are comfortable with.