'I want to go back to my cocoon...'

Dear Diana,
As a kid, I was a loner. I remained the same during my college days as well. It was only after I got myself a job in the public sector that I could come out of my cocoon. But then, I'm also facing the side-effects of being out there in public. There's politics, backbiting, gossip and late night travesty in the name of friendship. I was better off alone. I don't know how to go back to my good old cocoon where nobody bothered me and vice-versa. I am 29. What should I do?
- Prathamesh

Dear Prathamesh,
No man is an island and no human can survive alone. The world consists of introverts and extroverts, but yours seems to be an extreme case of the former. You have always shunned attention and seem to be happy in your cocoon, but to survive you need to come out of your shell. Also, seek counselling as it can put your fears to rest.

Dear Diana,
I'm 38 and I can't get over my husband's death. We were married for nine years and now I'm left all alone. We didn't have kids out of choice. I miss him every single day and it's been six horrible months since his sudden demise. I've stopped going out of the house. And inside the house, everything reminds me of him. He was the best thing that ever happened to me. I don't know what to do with my life. My friends want me to meet people and socialise, but whenever I do it, I feel more lonely.
- Smriti

Dear Smriti,
Time heals everything. Your husband will always be an important part of your life, but one day you will wake up and realise it doesn't hurt anymore. You will have to pick up the pieces of your life anew. It will take a while for your heart to heal. You cannot undo what has happened. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, take control of your life.