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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |646 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Kanchan Rai has 10 years of experience in therapy, nurturing soft skills and leadership coaching. She is the founder of the Let Us Talk Foundation, which offers mindfulness workshops to help people stay emotionally and mentally healthy.
Rai has a degree in leadership development and customer centricity from Harvard Business School, Boston. She is an internationally certified coach from the International Coaching Federation, a global organisation in professional coaching.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 20, 2025
Relationship

My Boyfriend is not really the Controlling type. But, sometimes, he disapproves of some things which I do. In such cases, he communicates his Disapproval indirectly saying "I don't like you Dressing up like this Boldly. But still, if that's what you want, you may go ahead & Dress up as you'd like to, I have no Right to prevent you from doing so, but I will be Disappointed if you do." or "I don't want you to go out or hang out with these particular people (some of my close Male Friends). You have all the Freedom to interact with whoever you want to, but I will be Hurt, if you are too Close to your other Male Friends." Most of the time, I compromised & avoided Dressing up too Boldly, avoided Partying/Travelling with some of my Close Male Friends & avoided some other things which he wouldn't approve of, just for the sake of maintaining our Relationship. But recently, I tried to Test, how he'd react, if I deliberately do something which he doesn't like. So, on New Year's Day, I dressed up in revealing Clothes that he would never approve of & Partied wildly, all Night & even got Drunk with some of my Close Male Friends, with whom, he wants me to maintain Distance. He stubbornly refused to come for Partying with me, because I Dressed up too Boldly & refused to change them, even after he expected me to do so. He didn't even want me Drinking/Partying with some of my Close Male Friends. But I Respected the Boundaries of our Relationship & throughout the Night, I kept my Boyfriend informed about my Whereabouts, so that he's Reassured that I am not Cheating on him. But ever since then, he's been Treating me rather Coldly. He's being Indifferent to me, without Questioning me much, the way he always used to. He's just maintaining normal Communication without being Flirtatious, as he used to. And the Sex has also become quite Mechanical without much Romance, unlike how Passionate he used to be, earlier. I've tried talking to him, but he just keeps lying that he isn't Upset with me. Now I am Feeling really Guilty for whatever I had done on New Year's Day, even though, I don't think I did anything Wrong. Was it really Wrong on my Part, to do something which I always liked to, but my Boyfriend didn't want me to? Or is my Boyfriend Wrong, here? What do I do now? Please advise me.

Ans: Your boyfriend may not be outright controlling, but his way of expressing disapproval carries an emotional weight that influences your decisions. Instead of setting hard rules, he uses disappointment as a tool to make you reconsider your choices. You’ve willingly compromised in the past to keep the relationship smooth, but it seems that over time, those compromises have started to weigh on you. Testing his reaction on New Year’s may have been your subconscious way of reclaiming your autonomy, but now you’re left with unintended consequences—his emotional withdrawal.

The real issue here isn’t about who is right or wrong, but rather, whether your values and expectations in this relationship truly align. You shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to dress a certain way, go out, or spend time with friends. At the same time, he isn’t necessarily wrong for having personal boundaries and feelings about certain situations. However, the way both of you are handling these differences is leading to deeper emotional disconnect rather than honest resolution.

Your actions on New Year’s were a test, but they weren’t a betrayal. You still kept him informed and stayed within the boundaries of your commitment. But from his perspective, it likely felt like a deliberate challenge to what he considers the foundation of your relationship. His withdrawal isn’t just about what you did—it’s about what it represents to him. He might be questioning whether you truly respect his feelings, just as you might be questioning whether he truly respects your independence.

Instead of focusing on guilt, the real question is whether you’re both willing to openly communicate and find a middle ground that allows you to be yourself without feeling restricted, while also respecting his emotions without feeling controlled. Avoid blaming or justifying—have a real conversation about how both of you felt after that night, what it means for your relationship, and whether you can move forward in a way that feels right for both of you. If neither of you can meet in the middle without resentment, then it’s important to consider whether this relationship is fulfilling for both of you in the long run.

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1754 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 24, 2022

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Relationship
Hello... I have been in a relationship since 10 years, not yet married.My boyfriend is okay in all ways. But there is something that's bothering me a lot. Whenever he is with his friends or family I just get angry and scold him whatever I like. I don't like if he talks very close to his friends (male friends) or family. He is trying his best to keep me happy, but I'm feeling insecure when he is with his friends and family.To be honest even if he gives more importance and value to his family that makes me feel more angry.I'm unable take this anymore.After fights even I think why did I did like this, what's wrong with me?I question myself after a fight. I even think that I won't be doing this next time because even friends and family are important but it's doesn't work and he is fed up with me.Whenever he is with friends or his family, I create something that's not true.End of the day I'm crying, I'm loosing my happiness.Waiting for an answer
Ans:

Dear PS,

What are you worried about? That by spending time away from you or not involving you when he is in a social setting, he might forget you or move away from you?

After 10 years, why do you feel the need to cling on to him in insecurity and anxiety?

Time to give yourself some love and attention?

Become your best friend and pamper yourself with a lot of care instead of constantly expecting it from your relationship?

The more you become safe and secure with yourself, the less you will cling onto your partner.

Clinging on and ‘owning’ another person will only make them move away from you as no one likes to be controlled and dictated to.

Instead, why don’t you ask him about his day and who he met up with and genuinely try and integrate into his life?

In this way, he will want to engage more with you and invite you when he is with his friends and family?

When you watch him interact with others, instead of feeling insecure and jealous, can you think of appreciating what he has brought into your life and why the two of you have been together for 10 years?

Also, involve him into your life and life’s journey.

Playing the victim involves a lot of drama, but playing a liberated person involves no effort.

So love yourself and love your partner for who he is.

The change in your relationship and your state of mind will be almost magical.

Enjoy the moment and be happy!

..Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |678 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 31, 2024
Relationship
I’m feeling really lost right now. I’ve been with my boyfriend for about a year, and things started out great. We have a lot in common, and we both enjoy going out with friends. But recently, I've noticed something that’s been bothering me. He works as a bartender, and every time I go to his bar, he gets upset about my friends being there. It feels like he’s trying to push me away from them, and I don’t know how to deal with it. Last weekend, we went out, and after a few drinks, I mentioned how uncomfortable it made me that he talked badly about my friends when they come to his bar. I thought I was being calm about it, but he just flipped out. He started yelling at me in the car, and I was so scared because he was driving way too fast and swerving. I told him I was going to call the cops, but he didn’t listen. Eventually, he pulled over, got out of the car, and started screaming and running around. It all felt so intense and out of control. When he came back to the car, things got physical. I slapped him in an attempt to make him stop, which I regret because I’ve never done that before. In the heat of the moment, he slapped me back and pushed me into a bush. The next day, I had bruises, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about everything that happened. Now, he’s been trying to buy me things and even booked a trip for us, begging me to stay. But I feel so unsure of what to do. I keep telling him that I need space, but it feels like he’s not really understanding the severity of what happened. I’m torn between wanting to make it work and realizing that this situation isn’t healthy. What should I do? Should I give him another chance or listen to my instincts and walk away for good?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
First of all, physical violence is never the answer to any problem. I think you already know that. Coming to your main query, I think you should take the chain of events that followed after you confronted him very seriously. It's not healthy to slap and be slapped back and pushed into a bush. I am sure he regrets it just like you, but it can become a pattern. I would strongly urge you to rethink this relationship. If you are keen on keeping it going, I recommend either having an open discussion about what happened to make sure it is never repeated, or even better, consulting a therapist to work through the issues. You can have concerns and queries as to why he doesn't like it when your friends are around- that does not warrant such a harsh reaction.

I hope this helps.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1754 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 18, 2025

Relationship
Mam, I know some ways by which i can change my state of mind from lazy to working.. and having pressure/deadline helps to move on. But still I'm get trapped in guilt of actions and don't feel confident that next time i will be able to control myself..( cuz some actions give short pleasure/gratification easily.. but guilts also). And in all those silent, sad, depressed emotional time my Real working time gets wasted.. and feels like I just live in more guilt and saddness..even if it hurts. But don't wanna live like that!! What I do?
Ans: Dear Work,
Focus in any area of Life comes only when you realize WHY you are doing WHAT you are doing in that area.
For eg: If you decide to lose weight and just randomly join the gym without understanding WHY you are in the gym, a few days later, you will drop out. Mind you, that LOSING WEIGHT is not your reason; WHY do you want to lose that weight is the only thing that will keep you focused and motivated.
Hence, if you are giving into short term distractions, then obviously whatever it is that you are doing is not interesting you and so you get easily distracted.
Take one area of your life at a time; drop your goals in paper and mark a strong WHY against each. If it isn't motivating you enough, go back to the Drawing Board and do the exercise until you find that fire in your belly.

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

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1754 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 18, 2025

Relationship
Dear Miss, I am not a good studious student nor had a good educational background during my schooling and engineering. I somehow managed to pass and get through. I searched for a lot of jobs after my degree but could not get a good one. The last one i got was an unpaid one too. Therefore i decided to pursue studies in UK. After i did two diplomas i got an internship job at a health care which was going good. All of a sudden my parents decided to get me married to a girl from my home country as they liked her and we believe in astrology a lot. The girl was very obedient and decent as per my parents knowledge. So i took leave from work place twice and went and got married , but due to this the project at healthcare went beyond my understanding and i was finding it difficult to cop up with that. Unfortunately, during a meeting the manager found out that my internship was way too much and decided to let me go. After that i decided to apply for my field job and soon i got one. Immediately after that i applied for a spouse visa for my wife. We use to quarrel over the phone several times as she wanted to do her internship in another city. Her phone used to be busy when i used to call at the later part. I was growing suspicious. But never mind i made a call to her and informed her that the spouse visa is sure to come so be ready. For about2-3 months i did not talk to her because it will cause more fight and i wanted her to realize that. I brought her gifts and birthday cake and a lot in the mean time. But my calculation was completely wrong. When the visa arrived i asked her to go for the interview, but she took a u-turn. She ran off to another city for a job. I also went back to my home country and enquired and urged her to go for the interview but she wanted divorce from me and filed a divorce case and harassment case against my parents. I decided to give a fight back which took away a lot of time and put my whole family into depression. Finally my parents went under pressure and decided to let her go by signing the papers without my knowledge. I was completely upset with this behavior of my parents and did not communicate with them for about 2 years. My mother's health was deteriorating also. i decided to take my sister in laws help too as she was from the same health care background. Thinking she can communicate or talk to her and make things easier. But she was a poison by nature and kicked me out of the house by making excuses. My brother was also against me and fought with me. I decided not to visit them anymore I also found out from few sources that my ex wife had sex with someone and did a abortion but that is not fully confirmed yet which happened just after my marriage mostly. Now my parents are worried and are taking effort daily to get me married with a divorced lady on the matrimonial websites. They somehow want me to get married and move further. But i am finding it very difficult, even though i makeup my mind i find one or the problem in the girls whom i meet on matrimonial websites. Either some have attitude or some have something hidden. Some have looks problem or some have less educational background I could not upgrade my knowledge due to all this problems in life, so , i had to settle with a low income pay at a warehouse kind of job. There is no promotion nor any upgradation there only dirty politics. I have applied for the UK citizenship this year by thinking i can move to another country and work or go back to India for sometime upgrade my skills and come back for a good job. I feel i am lost and there is nobody to help me out. I am getting older also and not in a good position to do the ware house job further. My brother keeps communicating with my father that he can arrange some job for me so not worry. But i don't feel like taking his help. kindly advise
Ans: Dear Murari,
I don't understand how your parents can sign the papers by which you are separated from your wife.
One thing is clear, you seem to take no effort in making major decisions of your life. Marriage, work...this concerns you and you need to STEP UP and take decisions; whether the decisions are favorable or not is something you will learn over a period of time.
As of now, focus on getting a steady job and then you decide when and if you wish to get married. If you continue to act emotionally unsure, someone else will step in and make all decisions for you...

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

...Read more

Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |236 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 16, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Naveen sir, I am 48 year having privet Job. I have started investment from 2017, current value of investment is 82L and having monthly 50K SIP as below. My goal to have 2.5Cr corpus at the age of 58. Please advice... 1. Nippon India small cap -Growth Rs 5,000 2. Sundaram Mid Cap fund Regular plan-Growth Rs 5,000 3. ICICI Prudential Small Cap- Growth Rs 10,000 4. ICICI Prudential Large Cap fund-Growth Rs 5,000 5. ICICI Prudential Balanced Adv. fund-Growth Rs 5,000 6. DSP Small Cap fund Regular Growth Rs 5,000 7. Nippn India Pharma Fund- Growth Rs 5,000 8. SBI focused Fund Regular plan- Growth Rs 5,000 9. SBI Dynamic Asset Allocation Active FoF-Regular-Growth Rs 5,000
Ans: Thank you for sharing the details clearly. Let me break this down calmly and practically.

Where you stand today
Age: 48
Investment start: 2017
Current portfolio value: approx ?82 lakh
Monthly SIP: ?50,000
Time to goal: 10 years
Target corpus: ?2.5 crore at age 58

First, the good news. With an ?82 lakh base already built, you are not starting late. You are already past the hardest part, which is accumulation.

Is the goal achievable?
Yes, it is achievable with discipline and some fine tuning.

If your existing ?82 lakh grows at a modest 11 percent for 10 years, it alone can become roughly ?2.3 crore.
Your ongoing SIP of ?50,000 per month, even at 10 to 11 percent, can add another ?1 crore plus over 10 years.

So mathematically, you are on track. The key question is risk balance and fund structure, not return chasing.

Review of your current SIP portfolio
Right now, your SIPs have:
• Heavy exposure to small cap funds
• Multiple funds from the same AMC
• One sector fund
• Very little clarity on core stability

Small caps give good returns, but at your age and goal timeline, too much concentration can increase volatility when you least want it.

What needs correction
Reduce small cap overload
You have three small cap funds plus one focused fund. That is aggressive. Keep one strong small cap fund, not three.

Avoid duplication
Multiple funds from the same AMC don’t add diversification. They increase overlap.

Sector fund allocation
Pharma fund is fine, but limit it to a smaller portion. Sector funds should never drive the portfolio.

Add a clear core
Large cap or flexi cap should be the backbone now. Stability matters more than excitement.

Suggested SIP structure (illustrative)
Out of ?50,000 monthly SIP:

• Large cap or Flexi cap: ?15,000
• Hybrid or Dynamic asset allocation: ?10,000
• Mid cap: ?10,000
• Small cap: ?10,000
• Sector or thematic (optional): ?5,000

This gives growth without sleepless nights.

Important next steps
• Gradually rebalance existing investments, do not exit everything at once
• Shift from Regular plans to Direct plans if possible (this alone improves returns)
• Review asset allocation every year, not returns
• From age 55 onward, slowly start moving part of equity gains to safer instruments

Final thought
Your goal of ?2.5 crore is realistic. You don’t need aggressive bets anymore. You need consistency, structure, and risk control.

If you want, I can:
• Rebuild this exact portfolio fund by fund
• Estimate year wise corpus growth
• Suggest a pre retirement safety strategy from age 55

Just tell me how deep you want to go.


Thank you for sharing your details so openly. Let me talk to you like I would to a friend, not in numbers first, but in reality.

You are 48, you started investing back in 2017, and today you’ve already built around ?82 lakh. That itself tells me one thing. You are disciplined and you stayed invested. That matters more than anything else.

Now about your goal of ?2.5 crore by 58. Honestly, this is not an unrealistic dream. In fact, you are closer than you think. With ten years still in hand and a steady ?50,000 SIP running, the foundation is already strong.

Looking at your SIP list, you’ve clearly leaned towards growth funds, especially small caps. That’s fine, and it probably helped you build this corpus so far. But as you move closer to your goal, the game slowly changes. It’s less about chasing the highest return and more about protecting what you’ve already built.

Right now, there’s a bit too much exposure to small caps and some overlap between funds. When markets do well, this feels great. But when they correct, the same portfolio can test your patience and peace of mind.

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Small adjustments are enough. Think of large cap or flexi cap funds as the steady engine of your portfolio. Mid caps and small caps should add growth, not dominate it. Sector funds like pharma are okay in small doses, but they shouldn’t drive your future.

If you balance things a little better, your existing ?82 lakh has a very good chance of compounding close to your target on its own. Your SIPs then become the safety margin, not the lifeline.

The most important part comes after 55. That’s when you slowly start moving some money to safer avenues so that a market fall doesn’t hit you right before retirement.

...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.

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