Bhaiya My sister has an overprotective instinct for her daughter. She doesn’t allow her to go for a movie with boys. She doesn’t allow her to wear modern outfits, and she used to tell her to do all these things once you get a job. Due to which she asked me a question: is it right to do all these things without asking for permission, or else she will wait until she gets a job? Please advice what should be the right attitude should she take😥

It is not a question of doing things with or without permission but doing them consciously and knowing the implications of our actions. One should not do something because someone tells us to do it nor because it is a thing in fashion and everybody is doing it. Whatever we do should be done because one has given it a thought and feels it right within one’s heart. 

Your sister and niece should sit together and discuss these things logically with the pros and cons and the possible consequences. Then the final decision should be taken by the niece after giving it due thought and consideration. Yes, over protectiveness is not good as it may take away the needed confidence. But equally nothing should be done unthinkingly like Panurge’s sheep as that is equally not good for the development of our individuality. 

Affectionately,

Alok Da