TRUST US

I am darkDear Guru,I simply love the way you understand and solve teenagers’ problems. I am a 19-year-old girl, doing A Levels. I study in one of the prestigious institutions of Karachi. I belong to an upper class family, and my father is a businessman. I have two older siblings. I have a good life and generally my friends envy me for having my lifestyle. Every year we go on vacations to exotic locations as money is no problem for us. I happen to be a good student, too. But, there is a hitch... I am not fair like my siblings. I have a dark complexion and because of my skin tone I feel really depressed. My parents say that I am charming but I don’t believe them. Wherever we go, in a party or wedding, my sister remains the centre of attention because she is fair and pretty. She always gets compliments from everyone whereas I have to tolerate peoples’ sarcastic looks. Guru, I don’t know how to face people. I am not in competition with my sister, but I feel a bit awkward when I am with her in any gathering. I have developed low self-esteem just because of my skin colour. What should I do? Brown GirlDear Brown Girl,There is no need to feel upset about your skin colour. Who says dark is not beautiful? Your parents are right; you shouldn’t feel bad about your complexion. Fair colour has its own appeal but nothing can beat the charm of black/brown colour. Look around and you will find a number of international super models like Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Alek Wek and Liya Kebede who are dark. Our very own ex-super model Iraj Manzoor, though dark, ruled the ramp for so many years. And now Amna Illyas has shown to the world that girls with dark complexion can be as beautiful and attractive as girls with fair complexion. And haven’t you seen white people lying on beaches in a quest to become wheatish? So, my dear, just acknowledge the fact that you are beautiful. Don’t be afraid of meeting and interacting with people. Be confident and meet people with aplomb, and they will automatically refrain from passing any snide looks or comments. Work on your personality. You are an intelligent girl, and should not worry about your looks. Count your blessings: you are studying in a reputed institution, you have seen the world, and you have good friends who care about you. What else do you want from life? So, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and enjoy the carefree days of your life.Good luck!I am in a weak position Salam Guru,I am a regular reader of your column. I have been reading Us since I was in high school. I am a fresh graduate and work in a reputed insurance company in Lahore. I started working some six months ago. There are bright chances for me to make my career in insurance as the company is really good and I am pretty satisfied with my job. The overall environment of our office is also friendly, but I am facing a problem which is related to one of my colleagues. He is not exactly my boss, but is senior to me. He tries to impose his orders on me. He tells me to do all the dirty work like organizing files, getting the papers photocopied, etc. Since I am so new, I am not in a position to say no to him. His constant nagging is disturbing me mentally. I don’t want to leave this job as I need money. Let me tell you I am from a middle class family and I give half of my salary to my parents. I don’t know how to deal with that so called boss of mine.Harassed EmployeeDear Harassed Employee,When one starts one’s career, one has to be patient and determined. Joining an organization is like entering into the practical world. You are a fresh graduate and you need to learn a lot. First of all, you need to respect your seniors, no matter what. That man, in any case, is experienced and of course knows his job very well. If he tells you to do dirty work then do it. There is no harm in listening to your seniors. But yes, without being disrespectful you can tell him to give you more serious assignments. For that you need to show your worth by working hard. Don’t give him any reason to shout on you. If you see that he is taking undue advantage of you then you can always talk to your senior bosses about his unfair attitude. But do that only when you think you are justified in complaining. Good luck!Kindly send your problems at: trustusproblems@yahoo.com 

from The News International - US http://bit.ly/2CFKwuq