
Hi Madam, I am seeking your advice regarding my brother’s situation, as our family is going through a very difficult time. My brother was in a relationship with a girl who is 14 years younger than him. Their relationship began when the girl was very young — possibly in her early teens, around the time she was studying in 8th standard. What seemed like an early-age attraction eventually continued for more than 10 years. The girl’s family was aware of their relationship, but our family came to know about it only later. After nearly a decade of being together, my brother told us that he wanted to marry her. This came as a shock to us, and initially, our family (my parents, my sister, and I) did not agree to the marriage due to several reasons — including the significant age gap and the emotional immaturity that often comes with such early relationships. For two years, we tried to convince him to reconsider his decision, but he was determined to go ahead. Eventually, we accepted his choice, and the marriage took place. Unfortunately, after the wedding, they never lived together — not even for a single day. Soon after the marriage, the girl left to prepare for exams for about eight months. Over time, she completed her master’s degree and seemed to have developed a new perspective on life. Later, she informed him that she no longer wished to continue the marriage, saying she had lost her feelings for him and wanted a divorce. My brother still loves her deeply and wishes to continue the relationship. He is even ready to accept all her conditions, including her desire to work. However, the girl remains firm on her decision to end the marriage. Both families have now consulted lawyers, and while the girl’s family is pressing for a divorce, my brother continues to hope that she will change her mind and return. He is now 39 years old, and our family is very concerned about his emotional and mental well-being. He has become withdrawn, unable to move on, and still lives in the hope of reconciliation. Our aged parents are deeply distressed, seeing him suffer and unwilling to accept reality. We sincerely seek your guidance on how we can help him let go of the past, accept the situation, and rebuild his life with peace and positivity. Thank you for your time and advice.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You cannot convince someone who does not want to be convinced. Surround him with a lot of love and let him live with you all if that is possible; that way he will not be alone and coping from this separation can begin.
Sadly, you must let him go through the bitter truth which he wishes to avoid. He already realizes that what he wants is going to be impossible and by remaining stubborn about it, he is trying to avoid the pain. It will at some point dawn on him and he will breakdown this fake hope which will also 'break' his dreams about a life together with her.
If you want this difficult phase to be handled by a professional, please do so...right now the way it seems, he does not want to hear anything against his wife or the marriage from any of you...so, seek help if necessary.
All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
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