Just act, don’t react

Veteran actor Anupam Kher who has acted in several films and is running an acting school, answers your questions every Monday. Read on...

I am a 19-year-old college girl. I have been friends with a boy since my school days. Recently, he has started dating a glamorous girl and ignores me. What is worse, she always passes comments when I pass by and they both start laughing loudly thereafter. I feel like slapping her. What should I do?
Neha, Delhi
Neha, royally ignore both the new glamdoll in your friend’s life and your friend when you cross paths. Never ever lose control of your reactions. Physically slapping the thorn in your life will lead to a scene and create a lot of bad blood and ugly gossip which will stain you as well. Final advice — get busy with other things and people.

HT Image

I am a divorced single mother living with my 11-year-old daughter. Recently I met an unmarried man. Last week, he proposed marriage, and I accepted. My daughter also likes him. But now he often snubs my daughter and when I confronted him, he said he would prefer if she does not attend the marriage, as it will embarrass him in front of his relatives. Should I turn down this man’s proposal?
Nirupama, Delhi
You should not turn it down, but definitely reconsider it. This reluctance to acknowledge her [your daughter] will in all probability persist and mar your marital peace later, besides rumpling your relationship with your daughter. He has to accept from the start that his family henceforth will include your daughter. If he declines to consider, then rethink your marriage plans with him.