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Can't Convince Partner to Join Me Abroad: Seeking Advice on Long- Distance Interfaith Marriage

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1287 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Anu Krishna is a mind coach and relationship expert.
The co-founder of Unfear Changemakers LLP, she has received her neuro linguistic programming training from National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA, and her energy work specialisation from the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila.
She is an executive member of the Indian Association of Adolescent Health.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 01, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

Hi Anu, I met a women through a matrimonial site. I live abroad and she lives in India. I am 42 and she is 40 years old. We spoke for about 6 months. Then I came to India. Spent some time together and even met the parents. We both like each other. And have the blessings of the parents. But the problem is distance. I am very close to attaining citizenship. But still see that the process and getting an OCI could take at least 2 years. She has a good job with the central government in India. She has decent career prospects, in the country where I live. She was not interested in marrying anyone living abroad. But she had come to where I live for a short diploma course, and was okay in talking with me. When I met her parents, they were also okay with her moving abroad. So far things have been good, but now we are trying to fix the dates for marriage, and trying to solve the long distance issue. I suggested that she take a sabbatical and spend some time, or if possible pursue higher education, so she need not leave her job in India. Given her current background she also has good career prospects already. However she panics now every time I try to breach this topic. She is scared even to research n life abroad, and now she feels it is better we break up. She admits that , she is a chronic overthinker, I have been very careful in dealing with difficult topics. She has had a relatively easy life, whereas I have dealt with lots of personal and professional setbacks. It is really difficult to connect with someone, irrespective of age. I have worked for 18 years in India, and not keen to go through the toxic culture and harsh life. She is okay with me retiring. she has a transferable job in India, so even in India we might struggle to be together. But I wonder if later this might cause issues. Also, I have a widowed mother. My mother also prefers that I live abroad, as she feels I am more, happy healthy and have time for her. I was diabetic in India, and am now off medicines , after moving abroad. I am wondering how to approach this.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Obviously the two of you look at things very differently in terms of the location and where to be settled.
So, either accept the differences or compromise on them. Accepting would mean, then living in two different locations...a lot of couples have done this and it works beautifully provided there is mutual understanding that this life will come with challenges when you miss one another and need each other's support.
Compromising would mean one of you will wake up one day and possibly not like situation and blame the other and then a huge tale continues from thereon which can lead to irreconcilable differences.

So, talk and talk a lot and talk about how either decision will impact your lives. Then take a stand and make a decision...One person can't want everything and have everything the way he/she wants, right? There are a few gains and a few losses and such is Life!

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
Asked on - Aug 21, 2024 | Answered on Aug 21, 2024
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Thanks for your response Anu. But unfortunately she decided to end it. She was aware of the challenges. She is the one who broached the idea of a long distance relationship. But after we met she wants us to be together. Given her job conditions, it would be difficult to predict or plan. It would be very difficult for me to build a career again without having a fixed base, I was ready to give it time, talk it and sort it out. I am not much of a planner, and try to be in the present. She on the contrary is a planner and needs every tiny detail sorted out. The uncertainties were making her anxious and she decided to call it her. I don't agree with her decision, but I do see that we are fundamentally different people. The biggest challenge for her is to move away from her parents, and changing jobs. Her confidence and identity is tied to her being employed with the government. Even though she has better prospects available, she is not ready to accept any changes to her safer space.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for sharing what's happened. It may seem unfortunate at the moment but things work out for the best as always.
Compromises are part of any relationship and if personal gains are more important than the relationship itself, there's no point embarking on that journey.

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

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |403 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Sep 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 07, 2024Hindi
Relationship
I met a women through a matrimonial site. I live abroad and she lives in India. I am 42 and she is 40 years old. We spoke for about 6 months. Then I came to India. Spent some time together and even met the parents. We both like each other. And have the blessings of the parents. But the problem is distance. I am very close to attaining citizenship. But still see that the process and getting an OCI could take at least 2 years. She has a good job with the central government in India. She has decent career prospects, in the country where I live. Initially, she was not interested in marrying anyone living abroad. I raised this with her when we spoke. She had come to where I live for a short diploma course, and was okay in talking with me. When I met her parents, they were also okay with her moving abroad. So far things have been good, but now we are trying to fix the dates for marriage, and trying to solve the long distance issue. I suggested that she could take a sabbatical and spend some time, or if possible pursue higher education. so she need not leave her job in India. Given her current background she also has good career prospects already. However she panics now every time I try to breach this topic. She is scared even to research n life abroad, and now she feels it is better we break up. She admits that , she is a chronic overthinker, I have been very careful in dealing with difficult topics. She has had a relatively easy life, whereas I am used to dealing with challenges personal and professional setbacks. It is really difficult to connect with someone, irrespective of age. I have worked for 18 years in India, and not keen to go through the toxic culture and harsh corporate life. She has a transferable job in India, so even in India we might struggle to be together. I am okay with retiring, from a corpoarte jb and seeking another career which would keep me financially independant and help me lead a meanigful existene. I am exploring ways, but thiis is going to take time. We both considered all the scenarios, and agreed that if she finds a good job abroad, would be relatiely the easier path. But now she is not even ready to consider this and becomes very anxious. . I feel I am more, happy healthy living abroad than in India. I was diabetic in India, and am now off medicines , after moving abroad. It has been easier for me to lead a happy and healthy life abroad, even though I live alone. I am wondering how to approach this. I do not want to hurt anyone. I can understand why she is anxious. I have told her that she does not have to leave her job, she only has to research if she has good prospects. I even offered to get her in touch with folks who have made such transition. I gave her contact details of consultants who can advic her on her career prospects. Visa etc is not an issue. Please advise if I can salvage this relationship or better to accept defeat. I really like her and do not want to hurt her.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I understand your concerns. It is a tough choice- both for you and her. On one hand, we can't completely deny her concerns either. She has a good job here and the fear is only fair. But, given her chronic overthinking, she must have already created a worse scenario in her head. It sounds like you both are in a difficult spot where you care for each other deeply but life-changing decisions are creating anxiety. No matter how much you tell her, it isn't going to help. She has to come to terms with it herself. but there are some things you can do to speed up the process-

Acknowledge the fear- Don't make her feel like she is wrong to think this way, or that she is merely overthinking. There is some logic to her fears. Acknowledge that. It does not mean you are encouraging them. Just let her know that any big life decisions are bound to cause some panic in a person and her feelings are completely valid.

Encourage her to take small steps- Instead of asking her to talk to people who have made the shift, try casually including stories of such people in a normal daily conversation once in a while. It would not feel like a commitment but also give her an idea.

Frame the discussion in a better way- For instance, instead of focusing on the move, discuss the life you will be building together. This will give her a scope to see what she can gain if only she can get over her fears.

Do not rush- Big life decisions can't be taken in a hurry. So, give her that space and time. In the meantime, you can continue with life as it was. Let her know that there isn't a timeframe within which she has to decide. This isn't an ultimatum. Sometimes a few kind words can make all the difference.

It's still not time to give up. Is she worth trying a little more? If yes, try. Create a space that is free of judgment where she can openly share her worries, no matter how trivial they might be. It can seem that you are putting in all the effort, but for a chronic overthinker, even considering or trying to overcome a set fear is a big task. Give her a little more time. I am sure things will work out soon.

Best Wishes.

..Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |398 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 16, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi mam, im a lecturer since 5 years. Im in relationship with a girl from Srilanka. Most of our conversation was through mobile. She is a tutor in srilanka for 10 and below standard students. Now I'm 29, she is 27. Since 5 years we are loving each other. We hardly met. In Krishnagiri Tamilnadu I first met her in a Psychotherapy course, witch was about a month. We were good friends in the beginning of our relationship and at the end of a month course she was flying back to Srilanka, before she goes she kissed on my forehead, from then on im in love with the girl. For first few years we were happy in our relationship, but last two years onwards we fight almost every day. Both sides parents are fixing matches, both us are rejecting all the matches but we never shared with our families. Don't know where our relationship is going to end. Its not that my parents won't accept, but when my parents and siblings ask do you any one whom you want marry, or love some one I am not able to reveal to them. Many times I decided and planned and imagined to speak with my family but when it comes to reality im not able to speak. Other side she also is not revealing anything to her parents. Im rejecting the matches that are coming, she is also rejecting of hers. But both are not speaking properly now a days. Most of the time our relationship is filled with fights. Both are adjusting. Some time im feeling to stop the relationship and not to marry at all. I told her to marry as her parents say, and I don't want marry anyone. She is also saying me to marry some one and she wants remain single. But don't know what is happening between us. Im confused to continue or break up or marry her or not to marry her. Nothing is working in my mind. Recently my parents have brought a proposal who was my childhood crush. Suddenly I am indirectly telling her to marry to whom her parents give. She also getting good proposals but rejecting saying that she needs to work and earn money. Same reason I'm also giving. One more issue is she is tamilian of Srilanka and I'm Telugu from Andra. Both family members can't speak directly also. Unable to take any decisions. Kindly help me
Ans: The fact that you're not able to communicate openly with your families, despite rejecting matches on both sides, shows that there might be some fear or hesitation about fully committing to this relationship. Maybe it’s the distance, the cultural and language differences, or the struggles you’re having recently in your relationship that are making it difficult to move forward.

On the other hand, both of you seem to be stuck in a cycle where you're not happy but also not ready to let go. This might be causing even more stress and frustration, leading to the frequent fights. The decision to stay together or part ways is something only you both can make, but it sounds like there’s a lot of unresolved tension and unspoken fears in your relationship.

One thing to consider is having an honest conversation with each other, not about the fights or current frustrations, but about what you both want for the future. If you're both rejecting matches, it shows some level of commitment, but the real question is whether you both see a future together. Do you still love each other, or are you staying together out of habit and fear of the unknown?

If you both feel there is still something worth fighting for, it might be worth giving the relationship another chance by opening up to your families. This could ease the pressure you're feeling and help you both feel more supported. If, however, the love has faded and the fights have taken over, it may be time to re-evaluate whether staying together is what's best for both of you.

In any case, clarity will only come through open communication—both with her and your family. If you continue to stay in a relationship without making a clear decision, the frustration and confusion will likely grow. Take some time to reflect on what you really want, and then take the courageous step of addressing it with her and your families. This may not be easy, but it’s the first step to finding a resolution and peace in your heart.

..Read more

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Nripen

Nripen Bhatt  |6 Answers  |Ask -

Start-Up Expert - Answered on Nov 10, 2024

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Career
Sir, I have got your contact from RediffGurus. I approach you to guide me in my present situation. I have more than 30 years experience in export sales and also import procurement. Have been successful in developing new export markets and also importing quality material from abroad at competitive prices. All these activities have been under employment only, Where employers earned a lot, and brought me only wah wah, shabash, but no financial gains. Now I am retired, but still quite active mentally and physically. I have an idea which if backed with right financial background, can be a money spinner . The idea is to deal in metal import export trading. I can source international standard quality copper, aluminium, stainless steel etc., from China and other countries at 20 to 30% below market price. These can be sold to hungry Indian buyers here. I can assure, subject to investment, a profit of approx. Rs. 5 to 10 crore in first year itself. And of course a huge, unlimited market exists for these metals in vast Africa, where I have travelled many times and understand how business is conducted there . Now may I request you to tell me if it is possible to get a silent investor. For security purpose, I am ready to conduct entire business in investor's or his company's name, provided my interests are safe. Wahaj Nuri.
Ans: Dear Wahaj,

Your proposition is definitely sounding interesting, but as you have laid your idea and thoughts randomly here, it is not translating into a viable business. Have you prepared a comprehensive Business Plan? Have you worked on Business Frame work?
I would suggest to complete your offerings on papers, write/overwrite/correct/cut/revise and then bring a conclusive business proposition which none can refuse.
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Nripen

Nripen Bhatt  |6 Answers  |Ask -

Start-Up Expert - Answered on Nov 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 08, 2024Hindi
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Career
Hi Nripen Sir, I am started my own market research(Secondary Research) firm bootstrapped without team and working on it. I want to know how to do customer or client acquisition. I have 10 years of market research experience. I am sole person to handle this. Also, I want to know do i need investment for this type of firms.
Ans: Let me congratulate you first, it is an excellent initiative you have taken, there are several firms in Market Research but there is always a demand for a genuine data driven research firm.
Initially you do not need a big team, you can handle solo, and when you require first go for management undergraduates as interns.
If you work smart client acquisition and retention will be really easy and smooth you can go step by step:
Create a one-page professional website, keep your clients’ segment in view and develop the content accordingly. Define methodology and tools in such a way that potential clients should relate immediately with their requirements. Don’t write lengthy content. Be precise be crisp.
Use business email id only.
Get very smart stationary printed, letterheads over 100 GSM, nice envelops, attractive business cards etc.
Search the websites where startups are registered such as startup India, start in up, istart etc., you will find a lot of startups who are in Launch phase or in Growth Phase, both look for secondary market research.
Exporters can be your potential clients.
Tourist planners.
Medical startups.
You have huge market for your service, start from here and you may ask time to time for further steps.
All the best

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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.

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