Six Life Lessons for Aarya

The best way to recognise good friends

1. Good friends will never encourage you to do anything wrong. Watch out for a friend who offers you the first cigarette, or the one who asks you to tease a girl or spike her drink. 

2. True friends never instigate. They act. A friend who tells you something that upsets you and suggests that you take action on it should be the first one to be kicked to a side. A true friend would have taken action on your behalf and wouldn't have bothered to tell you. 

3. True friends never keep count. If someone starts reminding you of things done or purported favours, it's time to say goodbyes. 

4. Good friends do not mind calls at 2 am. They probably will abuse you when you do so but will always come to you at 2:30. 

5. True friends never crib or play blame games. They may get annoyed at times but are fine by the next day. 

6. Instead of finding good friends, be one. You will automatically be surrounded by good friends. 

The girl friend rules

1. Never spend money on girlfriends. Go Dutch. 

2. Never fight with a friend over a girl. Remember - Friend's sister & Sister's friends - are out of bounds!

3. Always protect her honour and dignity. Never disrespect her or let anyone do so. Never embarrass her in any way. Best to never reach a situation which would cause embarrassment - so avoid places, people and actions which have the propensity to result in something like this. However capable you are of handling the situation, the mere fact that a situation arose indicates failure. 

4. Everyone will treat her the way you do so. So, treat her the way you would want everyone to treat your girlfriend. 

5. Never force her for anything - sentimentally or otherwise. 

6. Remain a gentleman - always. Even in goodbyes when parting ways. Remember, the behaviour of others should not define yours.

The Rules of Marriage

1. Remember, it's more important to marry someone who loves you than someone you love. It's ideal if you get a combination of the two.

2. No amount of familiarity will prepare you for the reality. 

3. If you do want to see your future, see the parents of the girl. If the mother dominates the father, your would-be partner will dominate you in life. If the father is dominating, she will always be submissive. Try and find an ideal mix of the two.

4. Do not rush into marriage. It's a lifelong commitment - formal or not. 

5. Do not rush into Children unless your marriage is rock solid. Babies do not make a marriage stronger - they only prolong the agony - plus you end up ruining their lives. 

6. When there is no respect in marriage, it's time to end it. Try your best not to reach that stage.