Dear Sadichha,

I am a 16 years old girl. I was born with Albinism. Currently, I am at grade X, that is, 13 years of being mocked at because of my skin. Even my small brother doesn’t want to play with me. It’s like god made people same but made me different. That hurts so badly. Please tell me what to do.

I understand that physical appearance is one of the first things people take into consideration about a person. From what I am aware of, having albinism just affects your physical appearance, it doesn’t affect your mental strength or your performance. Hence, I request you not to let it affect those things. I know being different in this way must have caused you a lot of problems like you mentioned, however, I still urge you to look at life from a positive angle. I am sure over the years you’ve learnt to deal with it. Just understand that people who mock you because you have albinism don’t know you better. If you can, I would suggest that you educate them regarding albinism. This way at least the next person affected with albinism when encountering those people will not have to go through what you went through. In life, a lot of things happen to make you a strong person. I hope that you will use this to your strength and to prove to the world that having albinism is not going to ‘limit’ you or your abilities. Go conquer the world.

Dear Sadichha,

I am 25 years old male from Pokhara. As my parents are strict in religion, they are superstitious as hell. I have a girlfriend, whom I have dating since I was 17. My parents don’t accept her because “she is from different caste”. I have told my parents many times but they still don’t give any ears to it. What should I do?

I think then you should also not give any ears to what your parents are saying. Like you mentioned, if you have been dating this girl since you were 17 then you really have known her for a long time and know what she is like a person, her character, and her ambition. And the fact that you are together for so long means that you are compatible. I am sure that the caste is not a problem between the two of you. Our parents often do the things they do thinking that it is the best for us. However, they are not always right. So, do you talk to your parents and tell them how you feel. Explain your situation and maybe then they will finally understand. I request you to not give up because it is very difficult to find people who are compatible and who understand you.

Dear Sadichha,

I am 35 years old woman living in the capital. I had a husband. We were married for almost nine years. Only last year, we got separated because of the complete violence and his bad influence on my kid. It’s really hard to be a single mother and raise a child. I have also looked for a second marriage but nobody is interested because I had already married before. I am so in dilemma.

I would like to start by saying that you are very brave as many women who are in similar situation like yours, are not able to make a decision and come out of violent relationships. I understand that it must be very difficult to be a single mother in our society. However, I do not think that a second marriage is the solution that you are looking for. I suggest you to look ok for better work opportunities and seek help from family members or friends who have been in similar situation. If you have family members who can help you to look after your kid, then do take their help. I know that the situation you are in is difficult but I urge you to stay positive and do not let the society and what they think about you into doing something that you don’t want to.

Dear Sadichha,

I am a 15 years old guy from Lalitpur. As I was cleaning the house, I found that I was adopted. I really don’t have a problem with it because my parents love me more than ever and so do I. I am just sad that they didn’t tell me because I want to know about my biological parents, who left me before and what happened to them. Do you think I should tell them?

Since you are asking me this question, I think you already know what you want to do. I do believe that you should ask your parents the questions that you have. I think that the reason your parents didn’t tell you everything was because maybe they never found the right time or they were waiting for the right time.  Like you mentioned, if you are happy with your parents and how they have provided for you all these years, you should also respect that fact and sit down with them. Ask them the questions that you want to be answered. I am sure that they will not lie to you. If I was in your situation, I would also definitely want to know about my birth parents and the story behind me. So you can ask these questions to your parents. I hope you find an answer but I will also tell you to remember the love and care that your parents have provided for you all these years.