'She wants a house first, then marriage...'

I'm 28 and my girlfriend is 24. We are in love and planning to get married, but there's a major problem involved. Her family members have agreed to get us married on condition that I buy a separate home for us. I haven't spoken to my parents yet so I have no idea what their reaction will be. I can not afford a house now.
- Samrat

Illustration/ Amit Bandre

Dear Samrat,
You are getting married and not taking up an assignment that terms and conditions apply. If the girl's side is laying down conditions, you need to also take a stand. They may want the moon and the stars, but you can only do things that you can afford. You can buy a new house, but at a later stage - when you can afford to pay the EMIs. Knock sense into your girl. It is strange that she is not speaking up. Also, think twice before taking any decision.

Diana will solve it!
Write to Diana at diana@mid-day.com, or fax her on 24150009. You can also post letters to Dear Diana, Mid Day, Peninsula Centre, Dr S S Rao Road, opp Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400012