Q: I am 18 years old and studying in the 12th standard. I go for tuitions, where we often have to write tests. Unfortunately, I was unable to write the tuition tests for the last three weeks and my teacher insisted that I write them on the next day. While writing the test, I didn't know the answer for one of the questions. So I opened my book to see the answer, but my teacher caught me. I was humiliated and he told me not to do it further. But now, I feel guilty to face him. I am not able to concentrate on my studies and whenever I think of that incident, I get upset and tense. I am good at studies, but this incident has affected me a lot. I have not been able to sleep peacefully. Please help me in getting rid of the guilt.

A:I am glad to note that despite this difficult experience you have just had, you recognise your capability. Young people like you often have experiences that make them uncomfortable. It is important to treat this experience as one of learning and make sure you do not repeat this as it has left you feeling so disturbed. The next step would be to reduce the significance that you are attaching to this. So while you are unhappy that this happened, its only one incident and it will pass. As for facing your tutor, I am sure that he has faced such incidents in the past and he probably is not thinking of it as seriously as you are. Remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities and make the most of them. Look ahead and you'll feel better.