Keh doon usey... ya chhup rahoon, dil mein mere...

Dear Diana,
There's a guy in my college whom I really like. I doubt he likes me, though. I'm fat, dark and get nervous talking to him. He is a really good friend and I don't want to spoil what we have. We are in the same group and spend time together. I recently found out that he had a dreadful past and that his last relationship ended bitterly. I really don't know what to do about this.

Ask him out or let things run their course? Muster courage and tell him about my feelings or wait for him to realise them? If I do ask him and his answer is a no, it will be awkward for both of us to see each other in college everyday. Moreover, our friends will be forced to make a choice and take sides which I don't want. Ask him out or stay quiet?

Name withheld

Dear Friend,
Think about what you're going to ask him. If it is a commitment you're looking for, you will have to be sure, he likes you enough. Besides, if he's coming off a bad relationship, it would be wise to wait a while before approaching him. Also, it would be best to suss out if he's into you at all.

Agreed, if he does say no, it will be awkward to meet each other with friends around, but that is something you will have to deal with. Keep silent and you will regret never having made a move. Tell him and you run the risk of rejection. At least, it will be out of your system!

We're both quite shy...

Dear Diana,
I am really shy and don't know how to show my shy crush that I like him. Please help!

Parita

Dear Parita,
If it is something you cannot say or do by yourself, I suggest getting a common friend involved. Of course, if it isn't too much of a bother, go out a date after that and just talk to one another. Get to know the other person.

Dad doesn't want me dating my younger BF

Dear Diana,
My dad doesn't think I should be dating my boyfriend because he is three years younger than me. He is 17 and I am 20. He is very mature for his age, though. He has a job, helps pay the mortgage on his house, his phone bill and even studies at night classes. His grades have been consistently good. How do I get my dad to approve of him?

Nitika

Dear Nitika,
I don't see anything wrong in you dating a younger guy. And am surprised your father does. It is probably because you spend time with the guy a lot. Most fathers get edgy when their daughters begin to shower their affections on guys that their fathers usually always find inadequate. This boy seems the good type. He appears to be self-sufficient, never relying even on his own parents.

That says volumes about his character. If your father knows this, I'm sure he'd agree to allow you to date him. That said, it is a bit unusual. You're 21 and in a position to make these decisions yourself without getting your father into theu00a0 equation for some time.