Home > Relationship

Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

Browse rediffGurus answers related to 'Relationship' below
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Apr 07, 2026

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 06, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 31, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Hi Ma'am, I am 37 and my wife is 5 years younger to me. We are married for last 7 years. My wife has been talking to a male friend of hers which I have been not liking and I had also discussed with her couple of times. Despite that she use to say he is just a good friend and don't think so much. I use to believe her. Recently I found out after reading her Whatsapp message that she has been cheating on me since a year. She has also got in physical relationship with him couple of times. We are in middle of planning a baby through IUI process and all these things have come in front of me. I have confronted her now and have said that I have read all her messages and she is speechless. She knows she is at fault she is scared. We have not been talking to each other since last night. Kindly advice what step should I take ahead. She is pleading me to not to stop the IUI procedure and wants to try for a baby. I am completely shattered now and have no willingness to do anything now. I have always loved her. I still feel emotional for her that what will happen to her life if I give her divorce and when both the families will get involved. Her family is very orthodox family. They wont even accept her. Many things going on in my mind and hard to pen down everything. Kindly advice what is your suggestion in this scenario.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am sure that you feel cheated and beaten down and this is not the time to pursue IUI; first sort out the issues between the two of you. With the added pressure of IUI, the marriage where trust is broken will just deteriorate.
So, first things first, either work together to sort the marriage OR seek a professional to guide you on the same.
A baby that is conceived in love and harmony is what any parent will want, so rebuilding that love must be the priority if of course, you as an affected party want that. Please reflect on this and have an honest chat with your wife and see what direction you wish to take...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
(more)
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 06, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 31, 2026Hindi
Relationship
I have been married for 24 years, and ours was a love marriage. We have two sons who are now grown up, and for most of our married life, things were stable and peaceful between us. Over the years, like many couples, we got busy with responsibilities, work, children, and daily life. Slowly our emotional and physical connection started fading without us even realising it. For the past few years, especially after our children became independent, I have started feeling a sense of emptiness in our relationship. We live in the same house but hardly talk beyond basic daily conversations. There is no warmth, no affection, and we have not been physically close for a long time. Recently, when I tried to initiate closeness or even simple gestures like holding her hand, she seemed uncomfortable like I am some stranger. I was very hurt but I didn't react. I still care deeply for her and want to rebuild our bond. I don’t know if she has emotionally moved on, lost interest in the relationship, or if this is just a phase many long-term marriages go through. How can I win her back in my life?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Raising kids, family responsibilities and duties can somehow push the spark of marriage to a bare minimum and before you know it, the communication breakdown will make you believe that there the marriage is over. But it's far from over; in fact it's a wake-up call to RESET and plunge back into understanding why you married your wife and not just anybody else.
It's important to count on what you add to each other and value what you bring to the marriage. Once you neutralize it to a point where you are willing to put in the hard work necessary to reset the marriage, half your is done. Start with intimate (emotional) conversations and do things with one another. I always suggest date nights to bring back that fun and no-care in the world feeling, It can ignite a lot of passion back into the marriage. Start...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
(more)
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 06, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 31, 2026Hindi
Relationship
My son doesn't respect me at all. At first I thought he was just being a kid and ignored his tantrums. Now he is 11 and back answers me in front of elders and guests. I have never laid my hands on him but i have scolded him enough, made him understand when he was a child. He used to be scared of his father earlier but now he says do what you want. I don't know what is wrong with him. Things at home haven't been good either. We are going through some financial issues due to which we have to cut down expenses. I can't afford an expensive counsellor. The school counsellor said it could be teen rage and it may get better when he grows up. I am not convinced. What should I do to help?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Any change in situations at home can cause a behavior change in a child due to resistance, fear and more...
He possibly sees it a some sort of threat that things maybe taken away from him that he is sued to; what goes on in a child's mind is the job of parents and/or a counselor.
Not all counselors are expensive and you maybe able to find someone who can help your son. In the meantime what I suggest is to not have any financial related chats in front of the child. Also, become aware of how your mind state of anxiety and worry might be impacting him; if you could isolate him from your thoughts and worries, that will be a great gift at this point in time for the child. Any change in the environment can impact in a good and not-so-good manner; so try and keep it light...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
(more)
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |657 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 02, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 31, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Mam, why do women always have to adjust in a marriage? Why don't our parents ever accept that men can be at fault too? Whenever I tell my mother or mother in law about something hurtful my husband said or did, she tells me to forgive and move on. He never apologises or thinks he has done anything wrong. My husband and I are married for 11 years, but he never admits he has done anything wrong. Isn't it disrespectful and unfair to ask a woman to adjust and ignore without listening to both sides of the story?
Ans: You’re right. It’s unfair. And it’s exhausting.
Women are told to “adjust” because it’s easier for families to keep peace than to hold men accountable. Your mother and mother-in-law are not really judging right or wrong — they’re choosing convenience over fairness.

But that doesn’t make it correct.

If your husband never apologises, never reflects, and you are always the one expected to move on, then this is not adjustment — this is imbalance.

And the real issue is not your parents anymore.
It’s that your husband has learned he doesn’t have to take responsibility, because the system around him supports that.

You don’t need to argue with your parents to prove your point.
You need to stop silently accepting a pattern that hurts you.

You don’t have to fight.
But you also don’t have to keep absorbing everything.

A simple shift is this:
instead of explaining again and again, just say calmly —
“This hurt me. I’m not okay with ignoring it.”

And then don’t rush to normalise things immediately.

Respect in a marriage doesn’t come from adjusting more.
It comes when the other person realises you won’t keep accepting less.
(more)
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Apr 02, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 30, 2026Hindi
Relationship
My bf checks my phone without permission. I am in a two-year relationship with my boyfriend, and initially everything felt perfect, but now he constantly criticises what I wear, who I talk to, and even checks my phone's notifications. Last week, he created a scene at my friend’s birthday party because I was talking to a male colleague. He even blamed me for “disrespecting” the relationship and did not speak to me for two days. I feel mentally exhausted trying to explain but he says he is too committed and wants to know if I am genuinely interested in a life ahead with him. Part of me is also scared of losing him because he was there for me during a difficult phase in my life. When I explain something and he apologises, I see a side to him which makes it harder to leave. My friends who have not met him feel this is a toxic red flag behaviour . Do you think they could be right or is this something that can improve with time? How do I understand if this relationship is turning emotionally abusive?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how exhausting it can be to be constantly doubted when you are not doing anything wrong. Well, your friends’ opinion, while a bit harsh, is not completely wrong. It is a toxic pattern and it needs to be checked if you want to have a healthy relationship. You need to have an open discussion about this with him; tell him how it makes you feel whenever he suspects you of some wrongdoing. Also ask him why does he feel this way so often when every time it is proven that you are loyal to the relationship and him. It is important to understand what is the root cause of this mistrust. This is the only way to move ahead with this relationship and not lose your sanity. If, even after the talk, he continues to exhibit the same behavioural pattern, I would recommend you rethink the relationship because it won’t be an easy life, where you have to constantly prove your innocence. Relationships aren’t based just on love; it needs mutual trust and respect to grow.

Hope this helps.
(more)
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 02, 2026

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 02, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 20, 2026Hindi
Relationship
My husband suspects I am having an affair with my neighbour. When he is away, sometimes my neighbour helps me fix things at home because his wife and I are good friends. When i make something nice, I offer it to him as well. His wife also comes home and we chat during lunch or have coffee together. But he chooses to only talk about my friendship with the male neighbour. I always leave the door open to avoid any suspicion but this has been leading to daily arguments at home. How do I fix this situation without hurting my friendship?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Obviously, what is not seen can only be imagined and your husband is imagining a story that is filled with doubt and suspicion.
One way that you can ease this:
- call your neighbor home for a light chat when your husband is at home
Let your husband see for himself what actually is the real deal...as you do this, I would also suggest that you reflect on why there is so much insecurity in your husband...what makes him have these suspicions?
Today, you are in a position to actually ease his doubts, but if this becomes a habit, it is just fueling his behavior even more and there maybe a time in the future when there will be no way in which you can prove your innocence, what then?

So, this one time to maintain peace at home, do this BUT please work on trust issues within the marriage; it can be a deal breaker...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
(more)
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Apr 01, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 30, 2026Hindi
Relationship
I am married for 7 years and I have a child, but recently I have grown very close to a colleague at work. We talk and message every day, share our personal struggles, and I find myself waiting for his texts more than my husband’s attention. My marriage is stable but it has become such a routine that neither of us seems interested in each other. My husband is a good father but as a couple, I feel something is missing emotionally. I haven’t crossed any physical boundaries with this colleague who is also married, but if we pursue it further, I know it will turn into an emotional extra-marital affair which makes me extremely guilty. But personally when I am with this colleague, I feel alive and understood in a way I haven’t felt in years. Is this just emotional dependency or a serious warning sign about my marriage? Should I hesitate or see where it leads us?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am glad you are seeking help and are aware that things can take a turn for the worse. A long-term relationship can come to a point where it becomes too mundane; the excitement might go missing and that is only natural. But finding that excitement outside that marriage can lead to irreparable damage. Right now the attention from someone new feels refreshing but if you think about it, it felt the same way when you first met your husband. So, my suggestion is, don’t confuse this excitement with love. Marriage is about choosing your partner everyday, even when things become too routine. I suggest working on your marriage. Have a conversation with your partner; let him know that you feel that the two of you need to work on bringing back the spark. Plan getaways, dates, go for movies, try new things. Everyone goes through a rough patch in marriage; how to choose to handle it makes all the difference.

Hope this helps.
(more)
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Mar 25, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 21, 2026Hindi
Relationship
My wife thinks I am dating my co-worker. Every time I step out for an office trip, she fights with me thinking I am going on a date. She has called up my office in the past to check and due to some miscommunication, she assumed that I didn't tell her the truth where I was. I had visited an old male friend for drinks after office whom she isn't too fond of so I didn't update her. Since that day, she has major trust issues. How can I fix this?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Trust issues are very tricky to deal with and if unchecked, it can ruin relationships. You are right to be concerned about it. The first step is understanding why she is having these trust issues. What is making her not believe you? Is it insecurities, or lack of communication, or something else altogether. The only way to understand this is open discussion. Find a time when both of you are calm and feeling relaxed. Tell her that you want to discuss this issue since this is happening over and over again. Note: tell her that you don’t like her feeling sad about something that is not even real. It makes you sad and worry about her. These words will help her understand that you are trying to work things out genuinely. Let her know that it also bothers you that she doesn’t trust you and ask her what it is that makes her think that you are lying to her. Hear her out and you might be able to point out exactly what’s happening here. Sometimes, in marriages, people start to feel less valued and trust issues can stem from that same feeling. Sometimes it’s miscommunication. It is very important to fix the matter while it is relatively new and small.

Hope this helps.
(more)
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 24, 2026

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 24, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 10, 2026Hindi
Relationship
I think my husband takes me for granted. We have been married for 21 years. I was working until last year but took a sabbatical to recover from a hip surgery. While he was mostly away travelling for work, I raised two kids, one is in first year of college, the other is in 11th standard. Now that I am out of work and recovering, I am noticing how he is mostly complaining that I am not contributing enough and he is feeling the pressure. What about the 21 years I managed everything -- my job, home, kids, his ailing parents? He hasn't given me a single compliment but there is a limit to how much you can live with a man who doesn't value what you do for him and the family. What do you think i should do?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
The biggest red flag in any relationship is when two people start to take each other for granted,
Therein goes the value that the other person has been adding into your life and the other way round. If you have to prove your worth in any relationship, it has already started to break down and needs a good intervention. I suggest that you and your husband have a conversation around this. Of course, it's likely that he might be surprised at what you say and dismiss it as your reaction to him saying that he feels the pressure. The real issue of you not feeling valued must be stated until he gets it; so start your journey...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
(more)
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 23, 2026

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 23, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 20, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Hello I am married for last 11 years and we have a 9 year old son. We have seen many ups and downs during the early year of our marriage, in our relationship and in economically as well. I even left my work after my son was born, spent all my savings fulfilling his and my wishes. My husband only use to provide us with the basics. We live with our in laws. My father in law has all the control our the money we earn in our business and my mother in law wants to control the whole house. So I limited myself to my room to avoid any arguments. My husband promised me monthly allowance before I got pregnant for the first time. Which I never received. Now I started working again and I am earning well, I finally feel happy again. But now he started asking for second child. Which I actually never want. Because nothing changed from his side. He doesn't provide us with much, we need a bigger house if we have another kid as I can't raise Children with so much age gap in one room as our son still sleeps with us. He only say it will happen eventually but that is what he said even before. I do want a second child but I know I will never be happy with it. Because I will have to leave work and he will not provide us that well. Kindly suggest me what to do
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Statement 01: But now he started asking for second child. Which I actually never want.
Statement 02: I do want a second child but I know I will never be happy with it.

Both are just the opposite; what you are dealing with is confusions around your lack of independence and financial freedom. Do address these first as a couple before planning for the next child. If you value a work life, then do so in a manner that it does not become an issue in your marriage. Similarly, marriage need not become a chain that will keep you away from working.
Kindly address money issues that seem to be working against your peace within the marriage.
- have an honest chat around why you wish to work
- why feeling financially secure is important to you
If there are basic ideology issues around this, seek the help of a professional who can guide you through the mismatch of value systems between the husband and the wife.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
(more)
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Mar 09, 2026

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Mar 04, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 26, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Girls reject me because I am not so tall and handsome. I am 41, single. I have a 9 to 6 job earning 12 lakhs per annum. I lost my dad and live with my mother. My younger sister is married and has two kids. Somehow I have not been lucky with online dating. Girls reject me beause I am average in looks and salary. I am 5 ft 1 inch. I don't have any special talent or passion. I have tried to take up singing, art, dance, gym but it's not working for me. I go to temples with my mom, I do social work on weekends to keep myself positive and busy. When it comes to dating and marriage, it is disappointing sometimes. I am afraid to express myself to girls now. I don't judge anyone but how do I find someone who understands me, beyond my looks and salary. My mother is 64, I also need a companion. Is it too much to expect?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
First let me reassure you that you are not asking for much. Wanting love and wanting someone who sees you beyond your looks and salary is very natural. You have faced rejections and it hurts; it does create a kind of fear, and right now that fear is stopping you from approaching anyone or hoping that someone will love you for who you are. It’s not the reality; it’s the fear speaking and it’s totally understandable. Let me address all the issues one by one. Yes, height can be important for some women, but not all. The ones who rejected you for it, were not meant for you. You don’t need everyone to accept you; you only need the right woman. Second, 12LPA salary is not average. The expectation online is very inflated. If you are doing an honest day’s work and earning a decent amount and taking care of your needs and your family’s as well, that does not make your earning average. Third, caring for your mother is your biggest strength in personality. You work, take care of your mom, do social work, and you are consistently trying to improve yourself. That’s far deeper than physical appearance. Now, I suggest that you stop trying to mold yourself into someone women would find attractive but rather continue working on yourself for yourself. That would spike your confidence and confidence is key. Most people, not just women, might be initially attracted to looks but for the longer run, they want someone who is dependable and responsible, and you are that. So next time you seek a partner, look for someone who is not only looking to date but to settle down. Someone who has the same clarity as you; someone mature, who understands the importance of strong character traits than mere physical appearance. Your frustration and fear is valid, but don’t let it make you go inside a shell. You deserve everything and you will get them.

Hope this helps.
(more)
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Mar 03, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 02, 2026Hindi
Relationship
I had a woman colleague whom I was very close with her.I had lots of interactions with her daily lunch outing lunch etc..but we both are in early 40s both r married and having kids.We had a special liking don't know beyond it.I was crazy on her and always thinking of her.She resigned and got relieved gave her gifts etc..I used to pick her drop her etc..But after resigned I was in constant touch with her and she never told me where she joined.One day I called her and she didn't pick the call and when I wrote hope ur busy she wrote a nasty message stating I was searching her where she went and didn't che k with her and I will show this message to entire world etc ..she wrote ..I tried to convince them topic changed but this hurt me very very badly with sleepless nights.I have done lots lots and help to her during her tenure but she was selfish and threw me with bad intentions.Then after few days I also wrote ur a opportunity,selfish and then I helped u etc and we had a complete split she returned my gift amount and I paid for her charity which she collects for the year.But anyways not able to move away from our thoughts even though we have completely split and both blocked out numbers etc..Let me know how to come out from this iam so depressed not in a mood to do anything..
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am not sure if you mean you both have romantic feelings for each other or just friendly. If it’s romantic, I am not sure I can help because in that case, you should be working on your marriages and figuring out what’s lacking in your relationship that you are seeking love and attention from a colleague. If the feelings are romantic, moving on from your colleague should be the least of your worries and working on your marriage your priority.

But if you mean you and your colleague were close friends, and you can’t move on from the friendship, then I am sorry you are in such a tricky situation. Sometimes people forget about all the good things we do for them; people forget friendships. It happens and it’s unfair. I know moving on from some friendships can be difficult but with time it will not feel much of a loss, especially when you understand that they were never your real friend.

Hope this helps.
(more)
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 18, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Hi, My Marriage Ends in 1 month after marriage and mutual Divorce was Completed without any strong reasons, Wife went to her home by giving their own reasons like compactability issue.In court and during Divorce process she fully cooperated and we are good friends during the court process also.Divorce was completed,but now she is in contact with me regularly and almost everyday calls me.by her conversations,it seems she is very much regreting for ending the marriage .i don't know why she is in contact with me.please suggest what i need to do?i am very much confuse.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Sometimes people regret separation and divorce and living apart helps them with a different perspective to evaluate their decisions. Obviously there was an issue due to which the marriage ended; the reason may still exist and hence right now there is no question of getting back together until the point the two of you iron out differences and work on what ended your marriage.
But, take your time, process this event and if you feel that your marriage can have a second chance, do that only if you have healed and understood what went wrong the first time...Your wife also needs to be in the same place as you in terms of wanting to understand what exactly happened.
Also you don't exactly need to talk everyday and complicate your life...
Breathe, take a pause and live your life...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
(more)
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1785 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 18, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2026Hindi
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |718 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Feb 17, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Hi Sir, My married life has been a complete disaster its been 1.8 yrs. Before marriage, I had only one past relationship. My husband repeatedly asked if I had any physical relationship before marriage. I denied it initially, and when I asked him about his past, he vaguely said he had dated three women for about three months each. Whenever I asked directly about physical involvement or even something as simple as kissing, he avoided the topic or changed the subject. On the first day of our arranged marriage, after intimacy, he said something that confused me. I was already scared and anxious. Later, when he asked me to share something I had never told anyone, I told him the truth—that my past relationship involved physical intimacy, and that it was forced, not by my choice. After that, his behavior completely changed. He stopped talking to me, even during our honeymoon. We were intimate only twice, but emotionally he was completely absent. I cried constantly. After returning home, he started avoiding me, leaving the house despite working from home. He verbally abused me, made derogatory comments about my character, and threatened to tell my parents and divorce me, accusing me of hiding my past. He even went on a Europe trip alone for 15 days, barely contacting me, which made me fear he was cheating. Due to constant fights and emotional abuse, I started looking into his past and discovered disturbing things—multiple physical relationships (8–9), emails linked to prostitutes, a banned Tinder account he tried to restore even after our engagement, and trips with an ex just days before our engagement. He called her “just a friend,” but the evidence said otherwise. I also found intimate photos and videos of his exes saved on his hard disk, even though they were many years old. Despite all this, he continued to accuse and defame me in front of his parents, saying I lied about my past, while he had never disclosed his own. What I saw and experienced has deeply scarred me, and I feel he never had any emotional attachment to me from the beginning. Ever since I told him the truth, he has shown no care, no empathy, and no love. I am left questioning—was I wrong to look into his past when I was being emotionally abused and accused? Or is he simply not the right person for me, someone who lacks emotional maturity, honesty, and compassion?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am so sorry you are in this situation. We can't control or change our past. You were with someone in your past because you believed things will work out with that person. That is completely normal. Whereas, your husband has been dragging his past relationships even after your engagement. It's completely different and borderline cheating. Please rethink whether you want to continue living like this. Confront him directly and show him the proof that you have found. Ask him if your past is so open to criticism, then what about his? Please have a direct and open conversation. A healthy marriage is based on trust and honesty.

Hope this helps.
(more)
Dr Upneet

Dr Upneet Kaur  |80 Answers  |Ask -

Marriage counsellor - Answered on Feb 17, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2026Hindi
Relationship
I am a 35-year-old office-going husband living in Pune, India, and something confusing happened at home recently. My wife scolded me strongly after noticing multiple online payments, assuming I was wasting money irresponsibly. In reality, the spending was on anime subscriptions and collectibles, which I see as a harmless hobby and a way to relax after work, but I never clearly explained this to her. She feels the money should be saved for family needs, while I feel misunderstood and judged for something I enjoy. How can I talk calmly about money, personal interests, and boundaries so that disagreements do not turn into blame and emotional distance?
Ans: Hello sir. I hope you are in good health.
Hobbies are a very important part of our life which really help us to remain connected to ourselves. In today's world all are just after the social media and mobiles and they have taken the place of hobbies in most of our lives. I am really glad that you are following some of your hobbies.
Well coming to your problem, you can talk to your wife after deciding that x part of your income will be spend on your hobby. This way you ll be able to create boundaries and she will also understand that you are not spending extra money on your hobbies.
In addition to that, you take her into confidence that you are saving money for family also which is definitely most important.
I hope this solves your problem.
Take care
Regards
Dr Upneet Kaur
Follow me on : https://www.instagram.com/dr_upneet
(more)
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |657 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 11, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2026Hindi
Relationship
My office friends Riya and Aman have been in a relationship for two years, but lately misunderstandings have increased because Aman feels ignored when plans are cancelled, while Riya feels stressed and unheard due to her work pressure. Instead of openly discussing their feelings, both remain silent, which creates emotional distance between them. In this situation, how can honest and respectful communication help them resolve their disagreement, and how can listening, patience, and understanding strengthen their relationship rather than weaken it?
Ans: Honest and respectful communication would help them because it brings hidden emotions into the open in a safe way. Right now, Aman feels unimportant when plans are cancelled, but he isn’t saying, “I miss you and I feel lonely when we don’t spend time together.” Instead, he stays quiet and likely feels rejected inside. Riya feels overwhelmed and unsupported, but she isn’t saying, “I’m under so much pressure and I need understanding, not disappointment.” So both are suffering silently and guessing each other’s intentions.
If they start speaking from their feelings rather than from blame, the tone of the relationship will change. For example, Aman can say, “When our plans change often, I feel disconnected from you,” instead of “You never make time for me.” Riya can say, “Work is draining me and sometimes I don’t have energy, but I still care about you,” instead of “You don’t understand my stress.” This kind of language opens hearts instead of creating defensiveness.
Listening is equally important. Many couples listen only to reply, not to understand. If Aman truly listens to Riya’s stress without interrupting or minimizing it, she will feel emotionally safe. If Riya listens to Aman’s need for time and reassurance without dismissing it, he will feel valued. Feeling heard is often more healing than any solution.
Patience matters because emotional habits don’t change overnight. They both need time to adjust to each other’s needs and rhythms. If one conversation doesn’t fix everything, that doesn’t mean it failed. It means they are learning how to connect better. Relationships grow stronger when partners stay patient during uncomfortable phases instead of withdrawing.
Understanding helps them see that neither is the enemy. Aman is not “needy,” he is seeking connection. Riya is not “careless,” she is overwhelmed. When they understand each other’s inner world, they stop taking things personally and start working as a team.
If they begin communicating honestly, listening with empathy, and responding with patience, their relationship will not weaken — it will deepen. Conflict handled with respect creates trust. Silence creates distance. Talking with care creates intimacy.
(more)
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |657 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 11, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 07, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Hello Dr., Hope this mail finds you well ! I am married for the past 15 years with 2 daughters (13 & 8 yrs old) but my wife is very suspicious. From the day of our marriage till today she keeps accusing me of affairs while I never had any affairs. She keeps monitoring my mobile, whatsApp messages and laptop. In WhatsApp she has strange method, if I am online and if any other woman is online she thinks she is following me or I am messaging her. When I am on official travel she keeps calling me to check my location. I have to video call her and keep my phone ON in night when I go to bed. She suspects someone is in my room. She accuses me of having affair with any lady with whom I talk even to the extent of my sister in law. When I am working from Home she keeps the mobile phone with video ON to check what I am doing. When I go to my office I have to share my Location. She has got no evidences but still she is not able to understand me. Except for rare business travel I never go out except with my family. I do not have many friends and few which I have my wife has also accused me of having affairs with their wives. I ignore her behaviour but she also uses foul language and this is affecting me & my daughters. I consulterd few psycologists but it has not helped. I love my wife and like to help her but do not know how to handle this situation. Please advise.
Ans: I can hear that you love your wife and want to help her, and that is admirable. But love does not mean tolerating ongoing psychological control. More importantly, your daughters are growing up watching this dynamic. Children who witness constant suspicion and monitoring can internalize fear, mistrust, and unhealthy relationship models.
Your wife’s behavior sounds less like simple jealousy and more like severe insecurity or possibly paranoid thinking. When someone creates connections between random events — for example, “another woman is online at the same time so she must be messaging you” — that is not rational suspicion. It suggests deep anxiety or distorted thought patterns. This is not something you can fix through reassurance alone.
In fact, the more you comply with surveillance — video calls at night, sharing location, proving yourself repeatedly — the more you unintentionally reinforce her belief that suspicion is justified. You are feeding the cycle. Reassurance helps temporarily, but the suspicion returns stronger because the root issue is inside her, not in your behavior.
You need to shift from defending yourself to setting calm boundaries.
This does not mean shouting or threatening separation. It means saying something like: “I understand you feel anxious and I want to support you, but constant monitoring and accusations are hurting me and affecting our daughters. I will not continue video surveillance or location tracking. If you feel unsafe or anxious, we need professional help together.”
The key word is “together.” She may resist therapy because suspicious individuals often believe the problem is external, not internal. But couples therapy with someone experienced in paranoid jealousy or pathological suspicion is crucial. Regular psychologists sometimes miss the depth of such patterns. You may need a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist evaluation, especially if this behavior has lasted 15 years without change.
You also need to protect your own mental health. Living under constant accusation can cause anxiety, depression, and emotional numbness. It slowly erodes self-esteem. Consider individual therapy for yourself, not to fix her, but to strengthen your emotional boundaries and resilience.
Most importantly, do not isolate yourself further. Suspicious partners often push their spouses into social isolation. Maintain healthy friendships and professional relationships within reasonable boundaries.
Ask yourself gently: has her suspicion worsened over time? Has it extended into other areas of life? If so, this may be more than jealousy — it could be a mental health condition that requires medical support.
You cannot cure her insecurity through perfection. Even if you lock yourself in a room with no phone, the suspicion will find another story.
Your role is not to prove innocence endlessly. Your role is to protect your dignity, your daughters’ emotional safety, and encourage proper treatment.
I want to ask you something important: if nothing changes and this continues for another 10 years, what impact do you think it will have on your daughters’ understanding of marriage? That answer will guide your next step.
(more)
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |657 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 11, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 20, 2026Hindi
Relationship
Hello I have just married 2 months back it was an arranged marriage during the courtship my husband often asked me for money which never returned even after marriage he continues to ask me for money with promise to return it on getting salary but has never given me a single money back few days ago he asked me ask my mother 10k saying it was for urgent need that he shall return it to my mother as soon as possible today my mother informed me that he had called her asking for 15k urging urgent matter behind my back what shall I do
Ans: What your husband is doing right now is breaking that basic trust.
Right now, you need clarity, not silence.
Have a calm but firm conversation with him as soon as possible. Choose a time when neither of you is angry. Tell him honestly: “I’m feeling disturbed and confused. You keep borrowing money from me and my mother, and it’s never returned. You also contacted my mother without telling me. This is hurting my trust. I need to understand what is really going on.”
Watch how he responds. A responsible partner will explain clearly, show records, admit mistakes, and make a concrete repayment plan. An irresponsible one will avoid, blame, get angry, or emotionally manipulate you.
Do not give him any more money until this is clarified. Not from your account, not from your family. Saying “no” is not disrespectful — it is self-protection.
Also, speak to your mother privately and ask her not to give him money directly without discussing it with you first. This is important, otherwise he may continue going behind your back.
Ask him directly about his finances. Does he have debts? Loans? Gambling habits? Business losses? Supporting someone else? You have the right to know. You are his wife, not his emergency fund.
If he refuses transparency, continues borrowing, or makes you feel guilty for asking questions, that is a red flag for financial abuse. It can grow worse over time if not stopped early.
You got married only two months ago. This is the right time to set boundaries. If you stay silent now, this pattern may become permanent.
You deserve a partner, not a burden.
(more)
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |657 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 11, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 29, 2026Hindi
Relationship
76 year old male Indian North Indian Happily married Have a maid servant 28 years Has two sons Her marital life is un happy as her spouse is drunkard and abusive I feel attracted towards her A lot like love I start feeling jealous when she talks to other men. I have never been in love before But been married for 45 years. Successful business person It’s not just sexual attraction as this person is not attractive in true sense of the word But it’s the way she treats me and smiles. She’s just a maid. Maybe more. She’s intelligent and articulate. This love is doomed from day 1. But I am kinda enjoying. I just want to hug and kiss her.
Ans: What you are feeling is not about “love” in the romantic sense. It is about emotional connection, validation, and feeling seen at a stage of life where many people quietly feel invisible, lonely, or emotionally unfulfilled — even in long marriages. When someone younger shows warmth, respect, smiles, and listens, it can awaken feelings you have never experienced before. That doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human.
But it does mean you need to handle this with great responsibility.
There are three very important realities here.
First, there is a huge power imbalance. You are her employer, financially secure, respected, and much older. She is vulnerable — emotionally, financially, and socially. Her unhappy marriage makes her even more vulnerable. In such situations, feelings can easily get confused with safety, kindness, or dependency. Acting on your emotions, even with “just hugging or kissing,” would not be fair to her and could seriously harm her life.
Second, you are married for 45 years. Whatever difficulties may exist in your marriage, your wife has shared a lifetime with you. Acting on this attraction would betray that bond and could destroy your family’s peace, your reputation, and your own self-respect — things you have built over decades.
Third, this “enjoyment” you are feeling is temporary. It feels exciting now because it is new, forbidden, and emotionally stimulating. But it will not end well. It will lead to guilt, anxiety, fear of exposure, and emotional chaos — for you and for her.
Now let’s talk about what this feeling is really telling you.
You are craving emotional warmth, appreciation, and connection. You like how she makes you feel — respected, noticed, alive. That is the real need here. Not her. The feeling.
Instead of directing it toward someone unsafe, you need to bring that emotional energy back into your own life — toward your wife, your family, your interests, and yourself.
Here is what I strongly advise.
Create clear boundaries immediately. No flirting. No personal emotional sharing. No physical contact beyond basic courtesy. Keep the relationship strictly professional. This is protection — for both of you.
Do not confuse kindness with intimacy. You can be supportive and respectful without crossing lines.
Reconnect emotionally with your wife if possible. Share time, talk, travel, sit together, revive companionship. Many long marriages become emotionally silent, and people forget how much comfort is still there.
If you feel lonely, restless, or emotionally empty, consider speaking to a counselor. At this stage of life, many people go through emotional awakenings that are confusing. Talking helps bring clarity.
And most importantly, remember this: real love never puts another person at risk. Real dignity never depends on secrecy.
You are a successful man who has built a life. Don’t let a temporary emotional attraction weaken everything you’ve stood for.
You are strong enough to feel this — and strong enough to rise above it
(more)
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |657 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 11, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2026Hindi
Relationship
I'm tired of being shouted at in my own home. My husband yells at me over small things like food, household work, or how I talk to his parents. I try to stay quiet and then something else he does triggers it even worse. What should I do to control my temper and reaction?
Ans: You’re trying to “control your temper” because somewhere inside, you’ve been made to feel that if you were calmer, quieter, more patient, things would be better. But the truth is, no amount of silence or adjustment can make constant yelling healthy. When someone keeps raising their voice over small matters, it reflects their poor emotional regulation, not your failure.
That said, learning to manage your reactions is still important — not to tolerate mistreatment, but to protect your own mental health and communicate more effectively.
In the moment when he starts shouting, your body goes into stress mode. Your heart races, your thoughts become sharp, and it becomes hard to stay calm. One simple practice is to pause your response. Take two slow breaths before speaking. Even a few seconds can prevent the situation from escalating. You can quietly say, “I will talk when you speak calmly,” and step away if possible. This is not running away — it is setting a boundary.
Outside of conflict moments, try to have a calm conversation. Choose a time when neither of you is angry. Tell him how his shouting affects you, using “I” statements: “I feel hurt and scared when you raise your voice. It makes me shut down. I want us to talk respectfully, even when we disagree.” Focus on your feelings, not on accusing him.
At the same time, work on strengthening yourself emotionally. Spend time on things that make you feel confident and valued — hobbies, friends, work, prayer, exercise, anything that reminds you that you are more than just a wife trying to keep peace. The stronger you feel inside, the less his anger will shake you.
If he is willing, suggest counseling or anger management support. Many people shout because they never learned healthier ways to express frustration. Help is possible, but only if he accepts it.
If he refuses to change and the shouting becomes constant, abusive, or threatening, please take that seriously. Emotional abuse is real, even without physical harm. You deserve a home where you feel safe and respected.
Remember: controlling your temper does not mean swallowing your pain. It means learning to respond with strength, clarity, and self-respect instead of fear or explosion.
(more)
Loading...Please wait!
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

Close  

x