Dear Sadichha, 
I am a 19-year-old guy suffering from anxiety. It’s been eight years, and it took me a long time to be vocal about my problems. I tried to talk to my parents but they thought it was absolutely normal. My studies were badly affected, and I decided to take a break after my high school. Recently, I went to a doctor and he diagnosed me with OCD; I have to attend psychotherapy. It’s been two years that I have completed my high school and I think it is time for me to join bachelors but this feeling of anxiety pulls me back. I cannot share my feelings with my parents and I don’t like sharing it with my friends as I don’t want to be judged. Can you please give solutions to cope with this situation?

I think your parents really need to start taking you seriously, why don’t you have your doctor talk to your parents? One definitely needs support from family and friends to overcome these challenges and get better. I would encourage you to talk to your friends as well. Don’t worry about being judged. If they are your true friends, they will stick by and help you get better. I have encountered people who have OCD, so I can understand what you are going through. Definitely, follow your doctor’s advice, and with time it should get better. Don’t be disappointed in yourself, we all have flaws and we shouldn’t be ashamed of them. I think you should join bachelor’s to let your mind engage with other things. We all feel anxious while trying something new, but we will never know until we try them. Hence, I highly encourage you to start your enrollment procedure. Also, talk to your family and try to make them understand what you are going through. It is also very important to have someone that you can talk to and share your feelings. 

Dear Sadichha, 
I am a 21-year-old girl. I recently completed my BBS but now, I want to study law. However, my parents want me to go abroad for my master’s. If I enroll in law, I will have to spend another three years before I can enroll in master’s. My parents are not happy with me studying bachelor’s for another three years. They expect me to have a foreign degree and start a career in banking after returning to Nepal. Can you please take me out of this dilemma?

Parents cannot force their children to fulfill their unfulfilled wishes. I understand that your parents might feel that you are wasting your time studying another bachelor’s program for three years. However, if that is a step into your career plan, please move ahead in that direction with all your heart. However, remember that your decision will affect you the most. Hence, stay strong and stick to what you really want. I am sure your parents will see and understand what you want to do with your life.

Dear Sadichha, 
I am a 30-year-old woman. I have been an over-sized person since my childhood. A few years ago, I was in love with one guy but when I confessed my feelings,  he friend-zoned me. I was so anxious thinking whether the rejection was the result of me being overweight. Now, I have started liking another colleague who is of my age. I can’t decide whether I should let him know about my feelings or not. Please help me out.

I will tell you a secret to a happy and confident life: love yourself first. You will have infatuations with many people but if you don’t love yourself first, nothing else matters. Be confident in yourself. We all come in different shapes and sizes but that should not limit you or your ability to love someone as well as someone else’s ability to love you. To be honest, I am not fully happy with the body I have, but I am content. I love myself and my body so much more than when I was 20. You should learn to love yourself first. Being an over-sized person is not a crime but if you have unhealthy eating habits, I recommend you to change them -- not to lose weight but to live a healthy life. Looks and appearances are secondary; the primary thing is how you feel on the inside. If you like the guy, go ahead and tell him, don’t feel shy. In the end, remember that looks fade away with time; it is how we feel about the other person and how they make us feel. 

Dear Sadichha, 
I am a 21-year-old bachelor’s graduate. Though there is a trend of going to a foreign country after graduation, I’ve decided to do something here. However, I couldn’t find a satisfactory job. So, I decided to start a business here, collaborating with a few partners. My partners have been negatively affecting the business. I am considering ending our professional tie. Is that a wise decision?

A big hug to you for wanting to stay back in Nepal. We need more people like you here. Why are they doing that to their own business? Was there a dispute or disagreement? If yes, I think all of you should sit down and make things clear. If they are just creating problems for the business then it is best that this business partnership come to an end. However, I urge you to stay strong. There are always ups and downs in life, and these challenges will make you wiser and smarter. So, pick yourself up, and move ahead with the lessons that you learn. All the best for your future.

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