Dear Diana,
I am in love with my best friend and there's nothing I can do about it because I realised this too late. She is due to marry another guy in a week's time. She really loves this guy and has told us that he's the best thing to have happened to her. I don't know him that well but I do want her to be happy no matter whom she chooses. But I really do want her to be mine at the same time. I don't know how to tell her this because we have been friends forever. It tears me inside to see her go away and belong to someone else. I wish I had known sooner, but what do I do now. Is there any way that I can get her back into my life before she gets married. More importantly, do you think I stand a chance. I don't want to risk our friendship over this. I'd rather have her as a friend than not at all!

Name withheld

Dear Friend,
There is something you CAN do. You can figure out from a common female friend she confides in, if she ever at one point of time, had feelings for you. If she did, there's some hope. It might not be enough, but it's worth a shot. Take her out, sit her down and have a quiet word with her. Throw subtle but discernible hints her way and see how she reacts. If favourable, tell her. If she's understanding , it won't affect your friendship. Remember, you her well enough to know how it'll go.u00a0 she's adamant on being with the other guy, give up, accept defeat and pray the guy is worth her belief in him.u00a0 Of course, if you want to chicken out and be in the shadows, lovelorn,u00a0 that's an option too. At least, she'd still be a significant part ofu00a0 your life, no?

Why is he making such a big deal about it?

Dear Diana,
My father recently beat up my boyfriend when he caught us kissing. He then proceeded to lock me up for a day and asked my mother and grandmother to keep a stern watch on me and made sure I didn't leave the house for anything. I'm 19 and I don't think I did anything wrong. It was very innocent really and it was only a peck on the cheek. Isn't he making too much of a small thing?