'She keeps staring at me all the time...'

Dear Diana,
I'm fond of a girl. She is in my college and we've known each other since the first year. We are on hi and bye terms. Recently I asked her to accept an ice cream treat on my birthday. She was taken aback and did not reply. Later, when I asked her again, she refused. Ever since she keeps staring at me, especially during computer class. I stare at her too. I do not know what is going on. She just refuses to talk to me after the incident. I spent my birthday thinking what I did wrong.
- Suyaash

Illustration/Amit Bandre

Dear Suyaash
You need to stop your staring sessions. Just ignore her. This girl appears to be an immature person. There was no need for her to take offence when you asked her to accept an ice cream as a birthday treat. She could have just said a no. She walks away and now indulges in staring sessions. Do not encourage her by looking at her. She knows you keep looking at her, so she thinks she can scare you off by her staring sessions. Forget this girl, she is really foolish. Befriend someone who will value your friendship.

Dear Diana,
I have a big crush on one of the girls in our group of pals. We are 15 of us in the group. We are perfectly okay with each other, but I want to drop a hint that she means more to me. Her brother and I are friends too. How do I know if she is interested in me? Her brother keeps calling me over to his place, but I avoid it so that I do not end up doing something stupid and offend them. How do I get to know this girl better?
- Rupesh

Dear Rupesh,
You know her and she is part of your gang of pals. You know her brother as well, so what is stopping you from getting to know her better? Stop thinking how you will behave and accept her brother's invitation. This is the only way you can gel with her and her family.