My hubby's buddy has taken him for a ride

Dear Diana,
My husband had entered into a partnership deal with his buddy for business. Everything went well for a year but whenu00a0things started rolling, his friend's demands started multiplying. His greed saw no limits. His demands hit the roof. They were both constructing a commercial complex. But as soon as the deal was inked, he demanded not only his share in the property but also a say in theu00a0 allocation of shops as he had done the paper work. This led to a huge fight. My hubby is thinking of resorting to legal help. Now his friend says I was the one instigating him. His wife also has been saying unpleasant stuff about me. How do I explain my situation to our common friends who now don't know whose side to take. I have no role to play in this. I was just a silent spectator to the drama.
-u00a0JK

Dear JK,
When you mix friendship with business, there are bound to be hiccups. It is clear that at the planning stage your hubby did not sit across the table and sort out the deal -- what exactly each one would get. This was most vital while starting the business. Your hubby just let it be due to their friendship. He trusted him blindly. He did not think even for a moment that his buddy would do a volte-face. You say there are common friends -- they have to broker peace between them. Talk to one of them in confidence who can have a chat with your husband's buddy and explain the situation. May be one the common friends' wives can speak to the buddy's wife to clear your stand in it. At this juncture, you need to communicate and reach a settlement. Resorting to legal help will worsen the situation. Avoid it if things can be settled across the table. Check whether his demands are meaningful andu00a0 well-deserved. Settle for a compromise situation. And this is a big lesson learnt for your hubby!

How do I get to know him?

Dear Diana,
There is this guy at my workplace. He works in another section. I hardly know him but I look at him and he looks at me! To be honest, I am attracted to him. But how do I strike a conversation with him. It has been two years and it has been only au00a0 'hi-hello' kind of scenario. How do I get to know him. I am afraid that one of us will quit and go away and never know each other!
- Taarika

Dear Taarika,
Gosh! What has stopped you from going beyond a hello. You work in the same office, can't be easier than this! Next time he says hi, continue the conversation, talk about routine office stuff. At lunch breaks and coffee/tea breaks try your luck. I am sure you know people who work with hin. Involve them in the conversations, he too will then join in. But at the same time don't make yourself appear like you are dying to know him. May be talk to him and then avoid conversation, chances he might ignite a conversation!

My beau does not like my dressing style

Dear Diana,
My beau thinks the way I dress is the pits. He is always comparing me to his sisters who are obsessed with clothes and jewellery. I tell him one should dress according to one's age and what you wear should be comfortable. How do I remedy the situation as he ends up making fun of me!
- LG

Dear LG,
Several guys have this habit of comparing their wives/girlfriends to their sisters. Tell him he likes you because of what you are and not what you wear. You are you, they are they. If he is so concerned tell him to hire a stylist (get an expensive one and tell him to pay for the charges). Reality will strike when the bills reach him. I am sure next time he will never touch the dressing topic.