How long will our relationship last?

I work at a store in a mall in suburban Mumbai. I recently broke off with my guy. Knowing this another male pal of mine has become over-friendly

How long will our relationship last?

Dear Diana,
I work at a store in a mall in suburban Mumbai. I recently broke off with my guy. Knowing this another male pal of mine has become over-friendly. He sometimes even drops in at the store. I have been meeting him after work and I can't stop thinking about him. Things are going so fast that we have even started having a physical relationship. He tells me I'm the best girl he's ever seen and how could my boyfriend have left me. But over the weekend during our conversation he casually asked me: Will we be able to last for more than three or four months together? When I asked him what he meant. he said such things don't last for long. What hint was he trying to drop? That our relationship won't last long?
-u00a0RS

Illustration/Satish Acharya

Dear RS,
It looks like you are on the rebound. You broke off and plunged yourself headlong into another relationship immediately. This man was waiting for an opportunity and as soon as he realised it was a good time, he went forth. Seeing that you were naive, he went even further and demanded a sexual relationship. This man is just out there to have fun with you. There is nothing more to it. After a few months the lust will die, that is what he means by telling you such things only last for a few months. He will get bored of you and move on. It is clear that he is with you only for physical relationship. There is no love or feelings involved. You are giving in to him as he is praising you knowing fully well that you are getting carried away. This man is not to be trusted. End it before he does which anyways he will do soon.

I smile at him but he looks away

Dear Diana,
There's this guy at college I really like. We are in the same class but he always sits with his pals. I try to smile at him, but he just looks away. I've tried studying his body language and I think he likes meu00a0 but how can I be sure?
-u00a0CG

Dear CG,
Instead of being a mind reader and studying his body language, get to know him! As you are in the same class, it should not be difficult. A common friend can help. Once you get to know him, you will realise if your mind reading was correct. And I hope it is for your sake!

I love my married colleague

Dear Diana,
I like a guy at my workplace. He is married and has a five-year-old daughter. Though I have never told him about my feelings, I hope he understands. Recently at an office bash, he got high and told me he cared for me and loved me. He told me he could feel that I, too, liked him. Ever since that night we have been SMSing each other and sending emails. We don't want any of our colleagues to know about it as he is married! Do you think I have a future with him? I am feeling scared to be seen with him!
- Name withheld on request

Dear Friend,
Your anxiety and concerns are a clear indication that you are treading on a path that will lead to a heartbreak. It will not only cause personal turmoil but even affect your professional life. Are you ready to take the risk? Do you think the man will dump his wife and kid for you? Only when you find answers to these questions, can you think about your next step. And only if you are sure of his feelings for you, go ahead. You say you are scared to be seen with him, so how will you have courage to even admit to an affair? You need to think hard before taking this relationship to the next level.