'My guy has some peculiar habits...'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
I have been with this guy for over a year. He is nice and caring, but has some peculiar habits. Initially, blinded by love, I used to think it was cute. But now it is getting on my nerves. He loves to dance (if he had his way, he would have been part of a dancing troupe) so to express his happiness, he often does a jig. This could be on the road or at a restaurant. He makes a spectacle of him and I get embarrassed. I have told him to stop doing it, but he does not care. At the same time, he has this habit of whistling. There are a lot of people who look at us when he whistles aloud to get my attention. We have spoken about it, but he refuses to listen to me. What should I do?
- Meghna

Illustration/Uday Mohite

Dear Meghna,
Imagine having a guy who breaks into a merry jig on the middle of the road. Or starts whistling to garner your attention. It must be embarrassing when you have several eyes looking at you. As you say, first you felt it was sweet and impromptu, but now it is getting on your nerves. For starters, do not react when he whistles. Pretend you have not heard it and just walk away. Secondly, the next time he has this urge to dance, stop him in his tracks. Tell him he can save his gigs for situations which demand it. A thoroughfare is not his dancing stage. All this time, you have tolerated him the way he is, so do not expect him to change overnight. Give him time and if this does not work, give him an ultimatum. If he cares for you, he will change and stop behaving in such a manner in public.