Still worried about my friend's son, what to do?

Dear Diana,
I recently wrote to you about how my college friend who has a young son is getting married again just eight months after his first wife's death. I followed your advice and talked to my friend about my concerns for the boy's well-being.

My friend didn't get angry at me, but he laughed away my doubts. He said since his wife had been ill for more than a year, his son had got used to the idea that she will not be with them anymore. He also said that the new woman in his life had agreed with him that it will be best if they send the boy to a residential school.

If he is away from his mother's memories, he will be able to better adjust to the situation at home. They plan to send him from the coming academic year.

I was shocked. Being a father of two young sons myself, I firmly believe he is doing the wrong thing. But his statement blind-sided me and I was unable to prepare a good rebuttal. How do I approach him again? Will it be a good idea or will I be interfering? Or am I wrong in thinking it will be a bad idea in the first place?

Name withheld

Dear Friend,
I think you've done your bit. You have shared the concerns for your friend's son but there isn't anything more you can do in terms of talking to your friend. Obviously, he and his wife-to-be haveu00a0 decided what's best for the child, and seem determined to send him away.

This might not be a bad idea. It might have been more disturbing for him to stay in his home, and see another woman in that space where his mom used to be. Maybe moving away will help him deal with it. A change is always good.

However I suggest you keep in touch with the boy. Write to him, or call him. Give him your number, and tell him that he can call anytime to talk. Tell him that you care for him, and will always be there for him. That will reassure him.u00a0

How do I make my girlfriend cover up?

Dear Diana,
My girlfriend insists on wearing sleeveless kurtas to college. I have told her it's not right for girls to bare their arms for everyone to see, but she doesn't listen. How do I convince her?

Nilesh

Dear Nilesh,
Excuse me, but what century are you living in? It is not right for girls to bare their arms in public?! I think you are the one who needs to be convinced that she isn't doing anything that thousands of women aren't. Wearing sleeveless is completely acceptable.

I yelled at my best friend...

Dear Diana,
I am 18. My best friend warned me that the guy I was seeing was actually two-timing me with another girl from our college. I didn't listen to her and yelled at her instead. Now, two months later, I found out she was telling the truth.

I immediately broke up with him, but I have not told my friend that yet. We have not talked since that day, because I kept ignoring her. I want to apologise to her and tell her I was wrong, but I am worried she may not forgive me. She is a true friend, I know that now. How do I approach her?

Sheena

Dear Sheena,
There shouldn't be ego between friends. Just call her and tell her that you made a big mistake and that you should have trusted her. Tell her you are sorry for the way you behaved with her. Say that you've now seen through your boyfriend, and you should've believed her when she'd pointed it out.

Promise her this won't happen again, that you will always trust her and not behave badly with her. Grovel if you have to. She will forgive you. Friends eventually do. Send her flowers with a note, if you cannot muster the strength to bring it up directly.