I miss my best friend
Dear Guru,
I am a 22-year-old guy. I am a university student, and belong to a middle-class family. My problem is about my best friend, A, who is also my neighbour. We have known each other since childhood and studied in the same school. Our friendship did not end with school; we continued to stay close. He is not just a friend to me but more like a brother and the person I trusted the most.
However, over the past few months, things have changed between us. A small misunderstanding has created a lot of distance between us. One day, he called me and asked to join him at a tea place near our house, but I was suffering from a fever so I had to say no. Unfortunately, he took it the wrong way, and since then, our friendship has become rather strained.
I feel sad and lonely without my best friend, the only close friend I have ever had. I miss the bond we shared with each other. We are still connected on WhatsApp. We see each other’s statuses and sometimes even react silently, yet neither of us takes the first step to talk. It feels strange how someone who once knew every detail of your life can suddenly become a stranger. I miss our conversations and our jokes.
I do not know whether I should message him and try to fix things, or stay quiet. Please tell me how I can rebuild our friendship.
Lost Friend
Dear Lost Friend,
It is clear that your friendship with A holds great emotional value, and misunderstandings like these often happen between people who truly care for each other. Since you have known each other for years, one small gesture from your side can make a big difference.
Among close friends who share a brotherly bond, taking the first step to make peace is seen as a sign of strength and regard, not weakness. A simple message like “I’ve missed talking to you. I’m sorry about what happened earlier. I wasn’t well that day, but I really value our friendship” can break the ice, but if direct messaging feels awkward to you, you could reply to his WhatsApp status in a friendly way to start a casual chat. Once he responds, talk calmly and honestly about the misunderstanding. Avoid discussing who was right or wrong; instead, focus on how much you miss the friendship.
True friends forgive easily, and taking the first step will, most likely, win his heart. So be the one to reach out first; you will not regret it.
Good luck
Candy Crush addiction
Dear Guru,
I am a 16-year-old boy doing my A Levels at a very good school. I used to be a good student until a couple of months ago. On my 16th birthday, my dad gifted me an Android phone, and while exploring its features, I somehow ended up downloading Candy Crush. Guru, I don’t know how or why, but I have become addicted to the game. I tell myself I’ll play for 15 minutes and then study, but when I check the time, I realise I’ve spent hours! My grades are suffering, and my parents are not happy, but I can’t seem to stop playing. What should I do?
Worried Student
Dear Worried Student,
You’re not alone; unfortunately, many teenagers fall into the same trap of mobile game addiction without realising how quickly it eats up their time. The important thing here is recognizing that you have a problem and you need to take steps to overcome it. Since you have already done it, half the battle is already won.
Delete the game for at least a few weeks or restrict yourself to playing only after completing your studies. You can use built-in phone features or apps that limit screen time to help you stay focused and disciplined. Keep your phone away while studying; if it’s out of sight, it’s more likely to be out of mind.
Replace the habit with something productive or relaxing, such as reading, exercising, or helping your parents at home. When your schedule feels full and purposeful, you’ll find less temptation to play.
Also, talk to your parents about the problem. They’ll appreciate your honesty and your effort to change, and may even help you stay away from your mobile phone during study hours. Remember, you’re in control of your choices, not your phone. Break the cycle now before it takes control of more of your time and seriously sets you back academically.
Good luck
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