I am a 28-year-old married woman. My mother-in-law is always very mean to me since day one. I have three children, who are under seven years of age, and two of them are school going.
Dear Nadine,
I am a 28-year-old married woman. My mother-in-law is always very mean to me since day one. I have three children, who are under seven years of age, and two of them are school going. I have to look after them and do all the house chores. We are well-off, but out of spite she doesn’t let me hire a maid. A few days ago I discovered that she has been secretly meeting a cousin of hers she had been engaged to. The engagement broke and later she got married to my father-in-law. After the engagement broke, the two families became estranged, and still do not meet. At weddings, they sit apart. Would it be wrong if I hint to her that I would spill the beans if she doesn’t become good with me? Please help me out!
Disgruntled Ivy
Dear Disgruntled Ivy,
This ‘hint’ would be blackmail, which is not at all a decent thing to do. It’s possible that your mother-in-law and her cousin are trying to mend the broken relationship, and if that’s the case your interference could be really harmful. Try to solve your problem without resorting to such tactics. You should talk to your husband about your domestic problems and make him realise that you have too much to cope with. It is not easy to do all the household chores and look after the children for any woman without help. Especially when the children are school going and need help with their studies. I am sure your husband will realise it, and help you out by convincing his mother to hire help for you. Maintain a positive frame of mind and God will help you with your problems. Best of luck!
Dear Professor,
I am a 19-year-old girl. My family is very well off and they sent me to an elite institution of Karachi. I met some girls and befriended them as they seemed very cool. In our group, a girl, D, used to smoke and very soon we also started smoking. Initially, it was just normal cigarettes but we got into loaded stuff and now two of us have become badly addicted. My parents think I am losing weight because I am working hard and taking too much stress. I feel guilty and want to give up, but the withdrawal process is too tough. I tried quitting, but couldn’t do it. I am really suffering and am very ashamed of myself. How can I quit smoking, Nadine? Please help.
Hopeless Teen
Dear Hopeless Teen,
We all make mistakes, but very few of us realize what we are doing is wrong. The thing which gives me hope about you is that you are remorseful and wish to quit this injurious to health habit. However, if you have already tried and failed on your own, you will have to get help. My dear, talk to your parents and confide in them. Yes, they will be shocked, disappointed and angry, but that would be their initial reaction. They will get you proper medical help. There are many good rehab centres in Karachi and since you want to quit this awful habit, you will be able to overcome this problem. It may take some time, depending upon how strongly addicted you are, but be steadfast and courageous and you will be fine. Good luck!
