Should I go on a blind date?

Dear Diana,
I am 24 and have an online female friend who I chat with throughout the day. It is like I have assumed that she is the girl for me! As we both are from Mumbai, we have decided to meet this month-end. But we have no clue what each other looks like. It is like going on a blind date! Am I doing the right thing by asking her out? She has agreed to meet me at a coffee house in south Mumbai.
- AH


Illustration/Satish Acharya

Dear AH,
There may be that element of curiosity and intrigue in going for a blind date but it's better that you both exchange photos so you'll know what the other looks like. If you don't fancy that person you won't want to hang around and, moreover, spend money on a date you will not want to see again! It is not as if a friend or a relative has fixed the blind date, knowing that both of you will match. You both get along online but that doesn't mean you will gel when you meet. It is better if you keep your meeting casual without any strings attached till you get to know her.

He is just my buddy

Dear Diana,
I have a male friend who I am very close to. He is my classmate and I hide nothing from him. My hubby is okay with our bonding as he, too, is a classmate. But his wife suspects there is something more. How do I tell her that we are just buddies?
- WZ

Dear WZ,
It is clear that you share a platonic relationship with this guy. He is your classmate and so is your hubby, so they understand. But this guy's wife may find it a bit odd. You both need to explain that you are plain buddies. If she has childhood pals, she, too, will understand. And there is nothing more and nor will it ever be. She just needs to take a chill pill.

We just don't get along

Dear Diana,
My husband and I can never agree on the same things. He thinks he can say anything and boss over me. I feel so humiliated and depressed due to his behaviour. Why can't he treat me with respect! We have been married for nine years and have a daughter who is five.
-u00a0Name withheld on request

Dear friend,
He treats you like a doormat because you have allowed yourself to be in this situation. All these years you toed his line and never asserted yourself, so he naturally has an upper hand in the relationship. Try talking to him and knock sense into him that what he is doing is wrong and unjustified. It will be a tough proposition but try and assert yourself when he acts highhanded. It will take a while but when he sees you taking a stand, initially he will be surprised and will react, but over time he will get used to it. It is time you spoke up for yourself.