Write to Mita

Dear Mita,
I am a teenager. I recently started learning French, and my French teacher is very sweet and nice to me. I don't know why, but it seems that I am starting to have my first big crush on him. He is 13 years older than me. I know it is not right, and I am trying not to fall in love but I can't help my feelings. I need someone to talk to me about this confusing feeling which I never felt before. I want to focus on my studies, and not think about him. For that I need your help. Help me! Please!
Confused Teen
 

Dear Confused Teen,
It is not unnatural at all to fall in love or to have a crush on a teacher. It happens all the time. Teenage is a difficult time when your body as well as your psychological state is going through changes. At this stage of your life, you need someone to talk to, confide in, someone who will listen without being judgemental. I suggest you seek out such a person, this could be a cousin, an aunt or an older friend. For the time being, don't be overly anxious about this situation. These feelings will go soon, but do try and focus on your studies because that is something you cannot afford to ignore.

Dear Mita,
I am a 24-year-old girl in a long-distance relationship with a man who is completing his Masters in the United States. We had been together in college, and decided to continue the relationship even when he left the country to continue his education. The thing is, we have not seen each other for more than a year. We do Skype regularly and even talk over the phone. I think we both care for each other but the time difference and the fact that we have not seen each other for such a long time is really getting to me. Can this relationship ever work?
Worried
 

Dear Worried,
It is difficult to sustain long distance relationships. Often the strain of not seeing each other, not being able to talk in person is too much, leading to misunderstandings. However, there is no reason why the relationship cannot work. It all depends on how strongly you feel about one another. If you do break up eventually, it will not only be because you have not seen each other for one year. You have to analyze your feelings carefully and try to understand dispassionately what brings you both together and what will happen if you break up. It is difficult I know, but it might be worth waiting for.  

Dear Mita,
I am a 25-year-old overweight man. My weight used to never bother me until my friends started teasing me about it some months back. It is not like I'm obese or unhealthy. But their words are really starting to hurt me and I'm feeling quite insecure about my body. I have even started working out and have gone on a crash diet but this tires me out, and I have been feeling quite depressed lately. I really want to stop feeling like this. Please help me.
Insecure
Dear Insecure,
Being over weight has many problems and has implications on health and one's social life. People suffer from a lack of self esteem as well as confidence. However, the problem is not insurmountable and many people have been able to redesign their bodies after being overweight all their lives. Please don't go on a crash diet, it never helps, rather go for a regime that will keep you healthy and energetic and at the same time assist you in losing weight. A good diet coupled with regular exercise should do the trick. Most importantly, don't lose your self confidence, remember, you are more than just a body.