How do I ex-terminate girlfriend ki yaadein...

Dear Diana,
I am 24. I was with this girl for seven years. We broke up exactly a year ago, but I am yet to forget her. Everything in my life is somehow associated with her, even the little things I say or do.

I was very sincere in our relationship, but she cheated on me. The first time, I forgave her, but after it happened again, we broke up. A few months later, I got together with another girl.

Things are not going well between us, because she is a Muslim and I am a Hindu and her parents don't approve. My parents and I have no problem.

I am studying for some important exams that will land me a job in the US and I really want stability in my life, but I am unable to concentrate because my ex-girlfriend occupies my thoughts. She was my first love.

I still love her and can't ever forget her. I can't commit myself to my present girlfriend because of her parents, but I really need a stable relationship for myself. Marriage is out of question, I don't think I can trust any female ever. I just want to erase thoughts about my ex, get on with my exam and get settled. What do I do?

Name withheld

Dear Friend,
I think you are letting this affect you too much. So you had a cheating girlfriend. You are not the first man to do so, and you won't be the last. You just have to deal with it. You seem to be stuck in the past. Don't hate all women because of what your girlfriend did.

You are carrying baggage of your last relationship and you will never be happy till you shed it. Some bitterness is understandable as you were in the relationship for seven years. But you made your decision, now make your peace with it. Get it out of your system. Write a long note and put down all your feelings in it.

Your hurt, anger and disappointment. Then put the note in a bottle and throw it in the sea. Or bury it deep in the ground. If you like, you can even mail the letter to your ex. If you are determined to put her out of your mind, you can do it. Just snap out of it.u00a0

New Year plans giving me the jitters

Dear Diana,
My boyfriend of six months wants us to bring in the New Year at a hill resort, but there's no way my parents will agree. I too am apprehensive but I don't want to hurt him. What do I do?

Name withheld

Dear Friend,
Tell him that you'd love to go but your parents would never allow it. In stead, plan a special date during the day. Spend that time with him and make it memorable. You can make cards for each other, decorate the tree and shop for presents together. You can attend mass together in the night.

Too hot to handle

Dear Diana,
My fianc ufffd and I recently went on a trip to Florida. When we hit the beach, I wore a swimsuit but he got really worked up about that. He was in his swimwear too, I didn't object. It spoiled our entire trip. We've been dating for one year now but he's never objected to anything else I wore. Should I let it pass or is it a sign that I don't know the real him?

Indu

Dear Indu,
Clearly you do not know him. And this is not normal behaviour. What did he want you to wear on the beach? Let him know that you found his behaviour irrational. Why the double standards? If he can wear swimwear, why can't you? Just make sure his double standards don't extend to other areas. Today he's telling you what to wear, tomorrow he might tell you where to go, who to talk to etc. Be sure of what you are getting into.u00a0u00a0u00a0