Home > Relationship > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

Seeking Advice: Torn Between Boyfriend and His Best Friend

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Sep 13, 2024

Ravi Mittal is an expert on dating and relationships.
He founded QuackQuack, an online dating platform, in 2010 with just two people. Today, it has over 20 million users in India.... more
Jia Question by Jia on Sep 11, 2024Hindi
Relationship

6monsth back I started talking to one of my colleague, he is attractive by his nature. Almost everyone likes him. he is intelligent, funny, etc.... In calls he used to tell me about his family, his friends, his thoughts, also about the girl (Aliya) whom he liked a lot for 6years (they belong to same village), but she rejected and told that he is her friend only. He told her that he may get feelings for her if they both remained as friends, so better stop talking. But she insisted that they both need to be friends and continue talking. I felt like may be she needed emotional support that's why she insisted. After coming to Jaipur, Aliya started talking to another man named Jitesh. But my colleague used to feel like a third wheel and started keeping distance. Then also she told that they are just friends and he need not distant himself. She always wanted him to give her the first priority. He also feared that she might get upset if he don't give her 1st priority. They used to talk a lot on phone and share everything. One day he brought her to our bay where we both used to sit and work. that day I really felt like I was a third wheel. I felt very bad.. cried for few days. And decided not to talk to him from then on because I didn't want to cry anymore. But he kept trying to have a talk with me. One day he almost cried because I was ignoring him. I couldn't see him like that and also I felt guilt about my behaviour(my intention was not to hurt him but to save my tears). I couldn't help but starting talking to him. He used to mention to me whenever he used to talk to her. and everytime I used to feel very bad. We started talking a lot after few weeks. Whenever I didn't receive proper response from him I used to become very anxious waiting for his reply and cried a lot. But when he starts talking again I used to feel normal. I never wanted to get into relationships, so everytime I used to tell him directly or indirectly about it. But still he continued to talk to me. One day he called me and said that Aliya is in love with Jitesh. He said being a friend he is very happy for her but after sometime he also said that if you also love someone I will stop talking with you also. I understand that he is little sad that he cannot talk to Aliya as he used to talk before because she is in love with someone else. We continued to talk and kept talking a lot. One day I felt like I am too much emotionally getting connected to him and felt like these long talks need to stop. So I asked him saying that I didn't get clarity. Then he opened up and proposed me. I thought for a day and I felt he is also a good person and said yes to him. Then on he became my world. Then on he started talking little less with other girls. One day Aliya called him saying that Jitesh had an incident where everyone thought he was drowned but he came back safely. She needed emotional support and asked him to come to office. She also said she that one of her colleagues didn't bring lunch and she don't have enough food to give her so she asked my colleague to prepare some food and bring it to office. At first my colleague said no thinking of me but Aliya convinced him emotionally saying that will you leave friends if you get a girlfriend and so he prepared lunch and took it to office. That day when he told me all these I felt devastated, I felt really insecured and cried a lot that is our first fight regarding her. He told me that if you say no I will stop talking to her. She again called and asked my colleague that what was my reaction for all these... he kept silent she guessed what might have happened and told that I understand how she might have felt and will not ask him to bring food to office anytime. Then on fights started increasing between us regarding her. whenever we three had a conversation i felt like thirdwheel and felt he is showing more attention towards her, more care towards her. again a fight. Like that fights started increasing. At first he used to listen to me, but after some days he started saying like my thinking is wrong. I even told him how much I cried but he didn't bothered. I never wanted to break their friendship so I never wanted to ask him to stop talking(even though he gave me that option). I only wanted him to give me my importance but I still feel he shows equal care to both of us. Then how am I different? Later on in our every fight, he started supporting her this gave me more pain. One day he said If I leave her for you, then I may leave you for someone else, that is not my character( this is contrary to what he said previously 'I will stop talking to her if i don't want to'). I cried a lot, I don't have much friends I couldn't share this with anyone.... every moment he is only coming to my thoughts and whenever fights happen due to Aliya, I get disturbed a lot... unable to concentrate on my work... not getting interest to do anything. One day out of anger I said just stop talking to her then his expressions totally changed he became hesistant , he became very sad and said I need sometime and don't know how much( his expression is contrary to what he said 'It doesn't bother me much If I don't talk to Aliya' ). He is that much emotionally connected to her. After 5mins I pinged him saying that I am feeling very guilt about the decision and ask him not to stop talking to her. I understood finally that he still thinks I am wrong and I am tired of fighting. One day when I was very emotional I told him that I will no more bring Aliya topic in our discussion and asked him to do whatever he wants. After this, Whenever Aliya calls him or he call her he used to tell me... sometimes I felt very bad... sometimes I tried to ignore as if it didn't bothered me but didn't start any argument with him. After few days he even stopped telling me if she called him or not also. When he was not telling about Aliya's conversations I thought he understood my feelings and reduced talking with her. but one time accidently my colleague's friend told about the small conversation that my colleague and Aliya had, that's how I came to know that they had a conversation but he didn't tell me. I felt very bad, really very bad... again unable to concentrate on work feel like crying all the time... I can't ask him to stop talking to her because I don't like to do so and also afraid of having negative impression on me in my colleague's mind. at the same time, I feel very very bad whenever they meet or have a call or does something together. I cannot discuss with him about this anymore. what shall i do, this is bothering me a lot and also having effect on my career, peace and life. please suggest. I am ready to correct myself if there is anything wrong from my end. And I can surely say that If i have a boy bestfriend then he would definitely not feel comfortable and will get upset.

Ans: Dear Jia,

When two people enter a relationship, both must try to make each other feel comfortable. If you are uncomfortable with your partner speaking to his friend, who is also his ex-crush, it is perfectly normal for you to voice it. And reading your question I understood that he has repeatedly mentioned that he had feelings for her, and even wanted to sever ties because staying in touch could only further ignite those feelings. I don't see how you are wrong in letting him know that you don't like their interactions. Plus, in a healthy relationship, the partner comes first. Not friends, especially not this kind of friendship.

Just understand that you are not wrong. Even if his intentions are pure and he looks at her like a friend, you have every right to express your feelings. You made no unreasonable demand. She wasn't "just" a friend; she was always more than that, and being insecure about something like that is not uncommon.

The only thing to do right now is to tell your boyfriend that you understand that the friendship is important but you deserve someone who can pick you over everything- obviously, reasonable things. See what he does. And please remember, you actually deserve someone who would pick you. This is not an ultimatum; it's the truth.

Best Wishes.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on May 23, 2023

Listen
Relationship
I am 12th passed student and I had a bf around feb .Everything was perfectly fine in the starting but then somehow our talks got less and i asked him if everything was ok bcoz i felt strange whenever we talked through texts. He said he is tired and doesn't wanna talk and did not know what happened to him ... Plus exams were ongoing so I supported the way I can but i knew something was off ... As the time passed things got worse. I asked how much time u need to be urself .. u are going out with ur friends but don't wanna talk to me neither u asked how i am for past dew weeks or a month . In the last he said leave I am not good enough for you. Everything thing we talked was on snapchat app. I was so depressed plus my exam result were less then expected. I stopped using any social media.. There wasn't a single day i missed him or thought of seeing the snaps but somehow i made myself I understand that If u were imp he wouldn't talk about leaving...ig ... But still I do miss him when everything was started and ended by him... On 14th My frnd texted me asking abt my result and she said she will ask him aswell( she doesn't know abt us dating) ... And after a week i.e today i downloaded the app and i saw that he sent me snaps till 14th and they all were deleted and after that there was nothing. Somehow i feel that there must be some conversations between my frnd and him. But what i feel now is that i regret why i didn't saw his msgs when i missed him. It makes me feel regret and sad . Whenever i think about it i forget all that disrespect but at the same time something stops me . Idk what kind of feeling is this ... All ik that there was a little communication between us that was also gone ... I just wanna overcome but i cant . Its gonna be a month and these emotions are really making me feel depressed. I even start making scenarios and stories in my mind . Idk what is happening to me . Pls help me overcome this what should i do ?
Ans: Dear Radha,

I understand that you are experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment, but listen to me, this too shall pass. You won't feel this way three months from now. Six months from now, you will find it funny that you even felt this way once, and you might even regret focusing on your ex than your exams. Two years from now, you will even forget how you felt on this day; you will forget the sorrow, you will forget how lonely and helpless you felt. You will move on. Everyone does. Look at the bigger picture and these feelings that you are experiencing today will seem small.

Now, coming to how you can deal with it at present- focus on your studies; everything can wait, but your career won't. Hang out with your friends; tell them how you are feeling. Talking about pain is known to give some kind of relief. No one can take it from you, but having someone to listen to it can help. Focus on your health- mental and physical; workout a bit. It helps. And, in the end, let time do its magic.

P.S. If he says he's not good enough for you, believe it. You deserve better; even your ex thinks so. So why don't you?

Best Wishes!

..Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jun 15, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 15, 2023Hindi
Listen
Relationship
Hi I need some clarity. I have a colleague at work. We started off as good friends. Daily chats spending free time as much as possible. It was all good. Healthy flirting,friendly banters and being there for each other. He held my hand a little longer while shaking hands.A week ago,during one evening stroll, we shared a passionate kiss which i sort of visualized.and the next day after work,we got intimate. We spent a lot of time at his place. He took care of me a lot. That every thing was fine. I was also aware of the fact that he will get engrossed in his work since a review meeting of his department is next in line.I respect his work and wait for him for one text. No use. Its always me who is initiating the conversation. I know men feel different after sex. I understand. So i was waiting for him. But yesterday he did something,which made me burst into tears. He came in my department to meet our manager. While waiting,he complimented another female colleague for her lipstick colour. That to in front of me!Is it my overreacting or something else. Because it hurt me a lot! I was like "You are saying that you don't have time for me ,you are too busy in your work. But you got the time to notice the lip colour!" So i wanted to see further,i didn't call or text him,and as predicted he did not call or text me at all. I had hopes from him,he will be by my side. A good friend .a solace. I feel betrayed and i need some clarity for the next steps. I don’t know what to do next?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I understand you are feeling hurt and confused. Let me start by telling you something that you must already know- a relationship, be it any kind of relationship, is a two-way street. You cannot be the one initiating every conversation in a relationship. Second, any relationship that makes you feel unwanted and keeps you wondering what's going to happen next is not worth your time or effort. Free yourself of such unnecessary burdens.

You two were not exclusive or did not define your relationship at any point in time. At least that's what I understood from your question. Given this, technically he can flirt with others and he can stop wanting to spend time with you. But morally, should he be doing so? No. I'd suggest you spend less time thinking about him and more time taking care of yourself. You deserve better than being treated as discarded. If he decides to come back, you can be civil with him, but being friendly or flirty no longer seems like an ideal option, given how he is treating you now.

Best Wishes!

..Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jun 16, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 15, 2023Hindi
Listen
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |403 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 28, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 27, 2023Hindi
Listen
Relationship
Hi I am working in an compnay since 4 yrs i had and friendship with my senior and he ia married but staying alone. His family was at native place. We both r maaried and we know about we had family but now we are in relationships since 3 years. As his family was not here i helped him in every manner in covid situtation. We know pur priority is family first. But since his family is here from one year last. He has stopped chatting talking to me. Only we are mostly having one side fight. He is now feeling irritation in talking to me normally also. During my job i m doing better than also everytime he feels irritated. I dont know what to do. Now he is saying he dont have time. He dont want to leave me. But stopped everything's. Only when he needs help he speaks to me or replies to message. I dont want to leave my job nor complaint to someone. What shoul i do dont understand. I have ensured him that i dont want him also to leave his family. Nor i want to leavemy family. I m confused what to do. I have done everything for him and now he has forgot evething. He says he love me he dont want to leave me. But at this situtation what should i do.
Ans: Hello Ms.
It's important to approach this with sensitivity and consideration for everyone involved. Understand that his family is a significant part of his life, and he may need time to adjust to the changes. Respect his commitments and responsibilities towards his family. Think about the long-term implications of the relationship. Consider whether it's sustainable in the current circumstances and whether it aligns with your personal values and priorities. Take some time to reflect on your own feelings and the dynamics of your relationship. Consider whether this situation is bringing you happiness and fulfillment, or if it's causing you distress. Establish clear boundaries in your relationship to ensure that both of you are comfortable and that these boundaries are respected. If he is feeling overwhelmed or stressed with the recent changes in his family situation, it might be helpful to give him some space. Encourage open communication make sure you both are on the same page about the nature of your relationship and the level of communication you both desire.Be prepared for the possibility that the relationship may need to change or come to an end. Reflect on your own priorities and boundaries. Ensure that your relationship doesn't negatively impact your personal and professional life. It's essential to maintain a healthy balance and focus on your own well-being. While this can be difficult, it's important to prioritize your own well-being and the well-being of everyone involved.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7042 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 18, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Please suggest if following investment are good as SIP started last year sep 2023 HDFC Flexi cap 5000, Parag Parikh 5000,SBI L & Mid cap 2500/-, Axis Blue chip fund 2500, AXis Mid cap fund 2500/- HDFC mid-cap opportunities fund 5000, Kotal emerging fund 2500/- Nippon India smal cap fund 5000/- HDFC Pharma & healthcare fund 4000/- Nippon India multicap fund 2500/- HSBC value fund 3000/- Investment are on monthly basis. Pease advise
Ans: Your portfolio demonstrates a proactive approach to wealth building. It includes diverse mutual funds across categories. Monthly SIPs indicate your long-term financial discipline. This is commendable. However, let’s evaluate its alignment with your financial goals.

Below are detailed insights for your portfolio assessment:

Strengths of Your Portfolio
Diversification

You’ve invested in funds from multiple categories. This includes large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and sectoral funds.
A diversified portfolio reduces overall risk. It balances growth potential across market segments.
Consistency

Monthly SIPs ensure disciplined investments. This helps capture market volatility effectively.
Long-term SIPs can create substantial wealth through compounding.
Exposure to Growth Opportunities

Investments in mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher growth potential. These funds are suitable for long-term wealth creation.
Sectoral funds provide concentrated exposure to booming sectors like healthcare.
Inclusion of Value and Multicap Funds

Value funds identify undervalued stocks. This can deliver long-term growth.
Multicap funds offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.
Areas for Improvement
Overlapping Fund Categories

Having multiple funds in the same category might lead to redundancy. For example, multiple mid-cap and flexi-cap funds.
Similar funds can increase portfolio overlap. This reduces the benefit of diversification.
Sectoral Fund Allocation

Sectoral funds like healthcare have high risk. These funds depend on sector-specific performance.
Such funds should have limited allocation in a balanced portfolio.
Number of Funds

A portfolio with too many funds can be hard to track. It dilutes returns without adding significant diversification.
Fewer funds with distinct strategies are easier to manage and monitor.
Portfolio Insights
Risk Assessment

Your portfolio leans towards high-risk categories like mid-cap and small-cap.
Consider balancing it with funds having stable growth, such as large-cap or flexi-cap.
Goal-Based Allocation

Align investments with specific financial goals. For example, retirement, child’s education, or buying a house.
Define timelines for each goal. Adjust fund categories based on risk tolerance and time horizon.
Taxation Awareness

Equity fund gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains attract 20% tax.
Ensure to account for these taxes in your investment strategy.
Regular Fund Investment Benefits

Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers advantages.

They provide expert insights, fund tracking, and timely rebalancing.

Direct fund investments might lack professional guidance. This could lead to suboptimal decision-making during market volatility.

Suggested Course of Action
Streamline the Portfolio

Reduce the number of overlapping funds. Keep one or two funds per category.
Focus on high-quality funds with a proven track record.
Adjust Sectoral Fund Exposure

Limit sectoral fund exposure to a small percentage of your total investment.
Use these funds only for specific, high-risk goals.
Rebalance Annually

Review your portfolio at least once a year. Rebalance it to maintain desired asset allocation.
Shift funds if they no longer align with your goals or risk tolerance.
Emergency Fund Allocation

Maintain a liquid fund or emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses.
This avoids withdrawing SIPs during unexpected financial needs.
Monitor Fund Performance

Regularly review the performance of each fund against its benchmark.
Replace consistently underperforming funds with better alternatives.
Long-Term Discipline

Stick to your SIPs, especially during market downturns. This helps average out costs.
Avoid making decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
Final Insights
Your portfolio reflects a strong commitment to financial growth. However, streamlining your investments can enhance efficiency and returns. Focusing on goal-based allocation ensures better alignment with your financial objectives.

Consider professional guidance to refine your portfolio and stay on track. This ensures your investments work harder for your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Archana

Archana Deshpande  |66 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Nov 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 16, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career
Dear Ms. Archana, I am a 50 year old middle management officer & have 24 years of experience in banking industry. But I want to shift to HR or life coaching industry. Kindly guide me with ur coaching & I would also like to work part-timr with your organization if you are satisfied with my skills & knowledge.
Ans: Good afternoon!!

If you have been in the banking industry for the last 24 yrs, don't you think now is the time to consolidate on your skills and do something which brings out your expertise ? Think of moving up the ladder in your organisation or look for coaching/training people to pass a bank exam or any other subject you love to teach.

And trust me 50 is also an age -
1. when you look back and see all that you have accomplished
2. then look into the future and think about all that you wanted to do and want to do
For you to really look into the two questions above, sit with a quite mind and explore all options , write them down for clarity and for the way forward.

If HR is where you want to go in, then look for an MBA in HR while you are continuing to work( I am very particular about being financially independent too during a career shift or the transition phase)!

If Life coaching is what interests you then check out India's leading life coach Puja Puneet and the courses she offers.
To be a life coach is to work a lot on yourself before you can become one.

Working part-time in my organisation is a "no" right now as I am not hiring!!

All the best in your exploration of the self and the clarity on forward path!!

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7042 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 18, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi sir just to get 1 lakhs per month from mutual fund account, how much total money is required to invest in mutual funds account. Thanks
Ans: To generate a monthly income of Rs 1,00,000 through mutual funds, you need to determine the total investment amount based on the withdrawal rate and expected returns. Here's a detailed analysis:

Key Considerations
Withdrawal Rate

A safe withdrawal rate is around 4–6% annually for sustainable income.
A higher withdrawal rate risks depleting your corpus prematurely.
Investment Returns

Equity mutual funds can give 10–12% annual returns over the long term.
Balanced or hybrid funds may offer 8–10% returns with lower volatility.
Debt mutual funds typically yield 6–8% returns with stable income.
Inflation

Factor in inflation to ensure the corpus lasts through your lifetime.
Taxation

Gains from mutual funds are taxable. This affects your effective returns.
Approximate Corpus Needed
1. Using a 6% Withdrawal Rate
Monthly income required: Rs 1,00,000
Annual income required: Rs 12,00,000
Corpus needed: Rs 12,00,000 ÷ 6% = Rs 2 Crores
2. Using a 4% Withdrawal Rate
Monthly income required: Rs 1,00,000
Annual income required: Rs 12,00,000
Corpus needed: Rs 12,00,000 ÷ 4% = Rs 3 Crores
Recommendations
Invest in Diversified Funds

Allocate your corpus across equity, hybrid, and debt funds.
Equity for growth, debt for stability, and hybrid for balance.
Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan)

SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount monthly.
It ensures steady cash flow without disturbing the investment.
Reassess Periodically

Review returns, inflation, and withdrawal rate annually.
Adjust withdrawal amount to maintain corpus longevity.
Plan for Taxes

Consider the impact of LTCG and STCG taxes on withdrawals.
Equity mutual funds' LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Include an Emergency Corpus

Keep 6–12 months’ expenses in a liquid fund.
Avoid dipping into your main corpus for emergencies.
Final Insights
To get Rs 1,00,000 monthly, aim for a corpus of Rs 2–3 crores. Choose mutual funds that align with your risk tolerance and income needs. Start with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a portfolio for sustainable income.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

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  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x