Guys avoid me because..... of my skin problem!

Dear Diana,
I am an 18-year-old girl. I have lots of pimples on my face.u00a0 Due to which my face appears a big mess! I feel that guys shun me because of my skin problem. They talk to all my other friends in college. They think they are the ones with the looks as they don't have a face infested with zits! The pimples are also leaving tell-tale hideous scars. What do I do to fix the problem? The risks are so high when surgeries are involved. How do I change people's perception and make them think, say, "You look good too!"u00a0
- Shyla

Dear Shyla,
You need to stop being morose and pitying yourself. Pimples are part of the teenaged years. It is just that some have an acute problem while the others may not have to face such a severe outbreak. And remember pimples don't come in the way of friendship! There are so many off-the-counter products available to keep your skin clear. Check out what's best for your skin type. Several stores even have a consultant to guide you after knowing your skin type. If your problem is acute, consult a dermatologist. The skin specialist can diagnose it and accordingly put you on a medical prescription. There are also certain foods that need to be avoided like fried stuff, aerated drink. More importantly keep your skin clean by washing your face frequently. Don't let pimples develop a low self-esteem of yourself. Remember this is part of your growing up phase and proper medical treatment can go a long way in helping you.

I was in love with a married man

Dear Diana,
I am a single woman who was in love with a married man. Both of us got to know each other at our work place. We just got attracted to each other and ended up doing things we should have not! After two years of a clandestine affair, he decided to change his job. After that he did not maintain any contact with me. I did try to call him but he told me he was busy and had no time for me. I feel so cheated as well as humiliated and angry.u00a0 What do I do? At the same time I cannot forget him.
-u00a0Name withheld on request

Dear Friend,
You were playing with fire and now you have burnt yourself badly! You were genuinely in love with him, but was he? You need to ask this question to yourself. It appears that he was just looking for some fun outside marriage on the sly. You fell in love with him, but from your letter it is clear that he did not genuinely care for you. You knew at the outset that he was married. Maybe he later realised that he was cheating on his wife so decided to severe ties with you. Or may be his wife found out. It is best to forget him. For your consolation ask him to tell you why he is behaving like this suddenly. If he had genuine concern for you, he will tell you. If he does not, he didn't deserve your love. It will be tough for you but over time you will forget.

My mother says I am sloppy

Dear Diana,
My mother keeps on telling me that I am extremely sloppy. I am 15 years old. She keeps on nagging me as I am forgetful and have this bad habit of dropping and forgetting stuff. How do I remedy this situation especially when she berates me in front of outsiders.
-u00a0MT

Dear MT,
You are responsible for your sorry state of affairs. You need to take more control of what's happening to you. For starters prove to your mother that you will strive to improve yourself. Write notes to yourself as reminders of what to do, be more organised and do things in a proper way. See the difference not only in yourself but also in your mom's attitude.