Mandira's interview

Hi! I am going steady with a guy for the last 8 months. He is a complete sports freak. Initially, he would shower all his attention on me. He would pamper me with gifts, take me out for films, go out on a drive. But of late, he seems obsessed with soccer, tennis and F1. I do not understand sports at all. And he is getting irritated with me because he cannot discuss sports with me. He is spending all his time with his friends. Where can I get a crash course on all the three games? Is there a way out? Please help me!

Sunaina Mishra, Malad

Angel Eyes: Well, you can take a man out of sports, but you can't take sports out of a man. So there you go. Perennial problem. Faced by women all over the world. And the solution is simple. When you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So get on that laptop and hit sports-for-dummies. There are numerous websites that will not only initiate you into the world of sports, but also turn you into an enthusiast. Once you're equipped with an arsenal of sports trivia, casually slip in the ocassional two-bit on how the naturally aspirated V10 engines (no turbos and superchargers please!) inhale 4 litres of air in about 0.00631 seconds at 19000 rpm. Trust me, your man will be floored for life. And who knows, your next summer break might be a little hop skip across Monaco via Monza!

Devil Lies: Oh God! He's so predicatable. Even the sports he's keen one are so wannabe predictable! But you and I, we shall beat him at his own game! We shall groom you to be an authority on nothing less than... kabbadi! And if he looks down upon you even for a second, ask him to sod off!

Last week I went for a party with my friends. I met this gorgeous looking babe. I think I have fallen in love with her. She is amazing. But the only problem is that she has over-protective parents. Whenever I've asked her out, she says she has to take permission from her parents. I think it is ridiculous. I can't even take her out on a date, forget proposing to her. What do I do?

Ranvijay, Colaba

Angel Eyes: Sorry pal, but there's nothing ridiculous about this. Parents will be parents and being protective is their business. Now you have to work your way around that. Maybe you should get to know them. Maybe they're not so bad after all. If you come across as a mature, responsible and 'harmless' friend, I'm sure they'll loosen up. And remember the fruits of hard labour are always sweeter than the off-the-rack canned variety.

Devil Lies: C'mon Ranvijay from Colaba! I thought you'd be cooler than that. Haven't you and your girl wonder heard of fictitious summer camps...imaginary yoga classes, study groups, after hours voluntary work, educational treks, fests...??! Man, I can go on and on! Are you guys the youth or what?

My boyfriend is obsessed with Superman. He not only sports the T-shirt, he even insists on the under garments. He's picked up a dozen Superman T-shirts and refuses to wear anything else. I am quite embarassed. Should I tell him that he should behave like a grown up man? I don't want to be rude to him. Please advice.

Angel Eyes: Oh it's just a phase. It'll pass as soon as Superman is done with the multiplexes. Boys will be boys and it's fun to indulge them once in a while with their childish obsessions. I would keep the strait jacket at bay till the day he starts wearing his undies over his pants. Till then, just play along. Also thank God he's not Robin!

Devil Lies: Simple. Join the pantheon. From today you shall be Catwoman! Go for a complete makeover, mask et al. Your patent leather Halle Berry bodysuit will be way more embarrassing than his tame little T-shirts.