I work in a bank where the manager behaves like a tyrant, knowing very well that there are no jobs available in the market. He has turned our lives into a living hell. He is going against all the HR policies and labour laws. What should be our course of action?

Suhail, via e-mail

Nothing. Just suffer. I guess being insulted is far better than being hungry, son. And hopefully this will pass but you don’t seem to be the kind of guy who will get another job in a hurry. In fact, you should urge him to be more of a tyrant so that he quietly gets a massive heart attack and dies. I can imagine you to be a very aggravating soul so why don’t you take the lead, son and then get on with plotting the natural demise of this boss of yours? You have very little choices so just shut up and bear it.

I am a teenager, studying in class eleven.I like a classmate for the past two years, but I do not have the guts to propose. I really want her to know about my feelings. What should I do?

Name and address withheld

Then curl up and die. What else? What do you want me to do? Propose on your behalf and then be saddled with that piece of lard forever? Obviously you are a little weasel who lacks courage and confidence so you deserve the loneliness you now have. Simple. There is nothing that any third person can do if you have already made up your mind to be a goddamn coward.

I am 19-year-old girl. A few days back, my boyfriend and I got intimate and some of our friends caught us in the act. Now they are blackmailing us. What should we do?

Preeti, via e-mail

I can only comment once I have seen the photographs, so could you urgently mail them to me? And if you wish I can even have them collected from you if you let me have your address. How wonderful the world is! In our times, we would hardly make out before marriage. In today’s time you do all of this and then to beat it all you have others watching and recording. Life is so beautiful. Just lie back, make out some more and enjoy…

HELP AT HAND

Alcoholics anonymous

10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta 700025
Ph: 24191174
E-mail: aakolkata_ig03@rediffmail.com
For free help on alcoholism
Timings: 2.00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Saturdays

Narcotics anonymous (Calcutta area helpline)

For counselling and support regarding substance abuse
Ph: 9836223071
Website: www.nakolkata.org
Email: info@nakolkata.org

Lifeline Foundation

Ph: 2463 7401/ 2463 7432
Free and confidential tele helpline for the depressed, distressed or suicidal.
Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturdays

Society for positive atmosphere & related support to hiv/aids (sparsha)

AE-36, Rabindra Pally,
PO: Prafulla Kanan
Calcutta — 700 101
Ph: 2591 0334, 2591 3852, 6529, 9856
Free and confidential tele-counselling and one-on-one counselling on issues like sex education, personal relationships, HIV & AIDS
Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Fridays

Kornash (The lifestyle management school)

139B Rashbehari Avenue,
Calcutta — 700 029
Ph: 9830149919
Interactive sessions on personality enhancement, stress reduction, lifestyle management, behavioural modification for children, marital counselling and psychotherapy
Timings: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mondays through Saturdays