How do I balance time between my guy and pals?

Dear Diana,
I used to have a couple of friends I used to hang out with until I got a boyfriend. He is extremely outgoing and party-hearty. So all my free time after work is spent with him. Gradually, I have stopped going out with my girl pals. Now I hardly have any friends left! They don't even invite me as they tell me you are always stuck to your guy. But after only being with my guy, I really don't know what to say to the others. It's like my mind has been tuned in only to my guy and his talk. I want to have friends, too, and I want to be lively like my other girl pals. How do I strike a balance as I work long hours?
-u00a0GT


Illustration/Satish Acharya

Dear GT,
It looks like you need to do a balancing act. It is difficult but you will have to juggle both the relationships as well as your job. Speak to your boyfriend about it and I am sure he will not have an issue about you spending time with your girl pals. Check with them what they are planning for Sundays/holidays and tell them to include you in their plans. It appears that you cut yourself from your friends as you felt your boyfriend may not like it.u00a0 But remember your growing up buddies are very important and more reliable. Don't lose your friends for the sake of a guy. You'll end up with no friends otherwise. Both have their respective places in life.

My colleague stinks of sweat

Dear Diana,
One of the guys at my workplace really stinks of sweat. I don't think he realises it. How do I tell him as my colleagues make fun of him behind his back? Once I had told him him to wash his face as he was all sweaty which he did! I don't think he felt bad as he treats me like a buddy.
-u00a0Nayra

Dear Nayra,
He is a colleague and you know him well, so you can tell him. But remember not to announce it in front of everyone, only when you two are around. Also, it is all about how you tell him. Be tactful by telling him how you overheard a conversation discussing hisu00a0 body odour in office. Make it clear that you are trying to help him and also give him tips like buying deodorants and wearing cotton clothes. He might be embarrassed but will make amends.

He just stares at me!

Dear Diana,
I really like this guy in college. I have been introduced to him but he does not appear keen on a friendship. He just stares at me whenever I pass by him in the corridor. How do I get him interested in me? He has spoken to me only twice and I have acted quite silly because I was so tongue-tied and did not answer him properly.
-u00a0LM

Dear LM,
You are so much in awe of him! If you behaved in a silly manner with him, how do you expect him to be friendly with you? No wonder he stares at you. Let things be for a while and after a gap when you come face-to-face, talk clearly and sensible things. Begin with stuff about college and the canteen. Once you start talking sense to him, I am sure he, too, will acknowledge you and not just give stares.

u00a0