Dear Diana,
I am 24. I married my boyfriend 10 months back. Initially, our families were against the match, but later my family agreed though his did not. Now he works abroad and I live with my parents, working to supplement my dad's income so that my two younger brothers can complete their studies.

I know he loves me a lot, but one day, when we were talking over the phone, I joked that I will keep an eye on his expenses as he is a spendthrift and does not think about saving for the future. He got really upset that I am going to check his expenses. He told me I should stay within my limits and it's not my right to ask him how he spends his money, after all he never asks me about my income.

Angry, I told him I will never ask him for money (even though I earn about one-quarter of what he does). I was really hurt, but I am worried about our future. He had taken a loan from my uncle to purchase a house, but for the past seven months he has not paid a single paisa back. I don't know how to make him understand.

Name withheld

Dear Friend,
Has he called you since that fight? It is rather strange that he took offense to you discussing money with him. You are well within youru00a0 rights to ask him. It is also strange that he doesn't support you in anyway. Do his parents or any relatives know about this wedding?

Has he discussed the future? How long will you continue to live with your parents? Is he doing anything to ensure that you join him in a few months or a year down the line? Also have you considered that he no longer wants to be in touch with you as he has no intention of paying back his loan?

When the loan was given, was it discussed if he would pay monthly or after a certain period of time? Hopefully you have proof that the money was lent to him, then you can take legal recourse, if you so decide, in the future. I hope he is not a conman who has taken the money and fled the country.

The next time you talk to him, just ask him about when he will be able to start paying back. Also have a talk about the future. This situation suits him, but it isn't fair to you at all.u00a0

Bride war of a different kind...

Dear Diana,
My best friend thinks that I am jealous that her marriage got fixed first, while I am yet to find a guy. I've tried explaining to her that I prefer being single than ending up with the wrong guy, but she doesn't listen. How do I convince her?