No time for anything since I started college

Dear Diana,

I am 16 and have just started college. I was looking to college life after hearing so much about it. During school we couldn't wait to get out to savour the freedom of college life. But it has been three weeks since I started college, and life has become very hectic.
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I wake up and attend coaching classes. I am back home and barely have time to tuck into some breakfast before it's time to leave for college. Commuting is killing me already! College ends late evening, and I hardly get to hang out.



As first year junior colleges started late this year, there is more to learn in lesser time. In barely a month it will be exam time. Add to this our preparation for the annual college festival. There is so much to do and so little time. All this is causing me great agony. I am dreading college already.u00a0u00a0

Mamta
Dear Mamta,

Welcome to the real world. Have you heard of time management and multi-tasking? This is what you desperately need to do now. You can enjoy every moment if you plan your day. When you get back home for class, you can devote some time for studies.
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On holidays and weekends, devote some time for studies and rest for extracurricular activities. College prepares you to face the corporate world.

Work and the pressure of deadlines will be much easier to bear, thanks to the things you learn here. And having a full plate is always better than an empty one. Enjoy the fact that you have so much to do. You'll miss this once you join the workforce.u00a0

Phone blues make me see red

Dear Diana,

My guy was recently transferred to Bangalore for six months. I talk to him every day. But at times he is busy and cannot talk.
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I get irritated, my mood sours and I shout at everyone. This has begun to be a huge pain for everyone around me. Please help.

Subur
Dear Subur,

Imagine if someone else had to inflict this on you. How would you feel? If he can't take your call, he is busy. And he does call you back, right?

By acting in this way, you will lose friends and annoy family members. Send him a text message when he can't answer your phone.

And stop going overboard. He is away for a while due to work reasons. Your behaviour might irritate him too. So stay cool and wait for his call.

I like her, but does she like me?

Dear Diana,
I like someone in my office but am not sure if she likes me. We do talk and she laughs at my jokes.
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I want to ask her out for coffee but I don't have the guts. A colleague says he does not mind telling her how I feel about her.

But I have cautioned him as I don't know how she will react. And I don't want to be part of the office gossip. What do I do?

Raaj
Dear Raaj,
If you like her and say you even talk to her, you should be able to gauge her feelings for you.u00a0

But don't make the mistake of making your colleague do it for you. He might just mess up things for you and may even tell others about it.

Muster up the courage and ask her if she would be interested in going to a local caf ufffd. If she agrees, it is the first step; if she says no, you get the hint and move on in life.