Dear Sadichha,
I am 21-year-old boy currently studying MBBS in India. Recently the college head threatened me to expel on a petty reason for ragging a college mate. I have been trying to persuade them to let me continue my further study and have submitted an application of apology as well. But it doesn’t seem to work. They are trying to talk to my parents. My parents are totally unaware about this problem and I feel bad to bother them over such a petty issue. What do I do?
First of all, let me start by saying that it is not a petty issue! Ragging, teasing, taunting or making fun of anyone for any reason is not okay. What you did was wrong and unacceptable. I am glad that the college thinks in the same line too. You need to change your approach and attitude towards ragging. I think you should call your parents and tell them what you did, so that they know it from you before the college calls them up.  I suggest you meet the person you ragged personally and apologize as well. And moving forward, remember that ragging or making fun of anyone is not okay and is unacceptable. 

Dear Sadichha,
I am a 28-year-old woman based in Kathmandu. I am working in an organization and recently got married. My husband is supportive but my in-laws are quite skeptical about me working outside. They don’t allow me to participate in social events and discourage me to work. It has definitely caused me to lose focus and feel disoriented. Could you please suggest me what should I do?
You should talk to your in laws about this and explain to them that times are changing and so should they. If you feel uncomfortable talking to them on this issue, then you can have your supportive husband explain the situation to them. Your in laws need to understand that is it okay for a woman, a wife and a daughter in law to work. As long as it is what you want to do and what makes you happy, you shouldn’t really be worried about what other people might think. I feel like this might be one of the concerns for your in laws. You shouldn’t give up, communicate with them and try again and again. They will definitely start looking at things from your perspective. Continue doing what you are doing and don’t let it dishearten you or make you lose your focus. Stay strong and determined. It might take time but with sincere effort, I think they will definitely come around. 

Dear Sadichha,
I am a 31-year-old guy. I am originally from Pokhara and I had come to Kathmandu in search of better job opportunities. I am not yet established in my field and have trying hard to make things work. My family lives outside the valley and my children and wife have been hoping to come here together but my current status does not allow me to call them here. It makes me sad but I know I have to deal with this. Please help.
Gone are the days when you look for opportunities. I think you should be creating opportunities for yourself! Everybody feels like the capital is where they are going to make it. However, I feel, with the right attitude and mind set, people can do well and perform better anywhere. If you have been in Kathmandu for some time but feel like it is not going anywhere then, I suggest you to go back and look for opportunities there. Maybe you can do something on your own in your city. Being with family and loved ones will motivate you and give you that extra push you need. Don’t lose hope and stay focused. Good things take time. It doesn’t have to be a big thing right away, start small and then look for growth. 

Dear Sadichha,
I am a 27-year-old woman. I have recently earned a degree in economics and now I want to set out on a journey to the remote areas of Nepal for some time. However, my family does not want me to go as they are planning my marriage. I am yet not prepared to get married and have informed about these things to them as well. But they keep telling me to settle down in life. How shall I convince them and take this journey on a happy note?
Travelling will open doors you never imagined of. So, I highly recommend you to travel and experience on your own. It’s a great way to learn and discover yourself too. Take this trip that you have wanted to without thinking about it too much. Sometimes, it’s better not to have everything planned. You are the one getting married. So you need to be prepared, if you aren’t, then nobody can force it? One should get married only when one feels like they are ready to. Often people rush into marriage-decisions because of the age factor. But I feel age is really just a number and doesn’t necessarily need to be associated with the ‘right time’ to get married. Have this conversation with your parents. You should get married when you are ready and not when your parents want you to get married.