'I fancy my neighbour's daughter...'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
I am friendly with a girl in my neighbourhood. She stays in the same housing complex. As there is a huge garden in the complex, she takes a walk every evening. I wait for her to complete her walk and then we chat for hours sitting on the garden bench. Her family, however, is not too fond of me. At least that is what she tells me. They have told her not to talk to me. They have also been influencing some other neighbours not to talk to us. I find this strange. Right now we are just friends. I do not know why they are behaving like this. My parents tell me that as we stay in the neighbourhood, they do not want unnecessary tension and stress among the neighbours. They are also telling me to stop talking to her. They tell me I have become a subject of building gossip. I am not hiding anything, so why are they behaving strangely.
- Ayush


Illustration/Amit Bandre

Dear Ayush,
Your parents do not want to have any problems with the neighbours. They want to live in peace and harmony. So don't do anything that would make her parents dislike you even more. Also, she is telling you what her parents think. What has stopped you all this while from meeting them and knowing first-hand what is on their mind? You have to convince them that at this stage you are just friends. Both of you have some growing up to do - so you have to earn their respect. At the same time explain to your parents that you are just being friends, so there is no need to panic. Also, instead of sitting on the garden bench every evening, call her home sometimes. You can also hang out in a mall or coffee shop to keep prying eyes at bay.