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Shalini

Shalini Singh  |61 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Jun 01, 2023

Shalini Singh is the founder of andwemet, an online matchmaking service for urban Indians living in India and overseas. After graduating from college as a kindergarten teacher, Singh worked at various firms specialising in marketing strategy, digital marketing and public relations before finding her niche as an entrepreneur. In 2008, she founded Galvanise PR, an independent communications and public relations. In 2019, she launched andwemet.
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Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2023Hindi
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Relationship

My boyfriend tells me he might want to go back and be friends again because he doesn’t feel a different kind of ‘love’ when he is dating me now. What should I do?

Ans: Hear what he is saying - he wishes to be friends and not be in a relationship - you need to decide if you wish to have him in your life only as a friend and not a boyfriend.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Anu

Anu Krishna  |825 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 06, 2022

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Relationship
Dear Anu hope you are doing well.While I was pursuing my postgraduation I met a guy in my university who was 8 years older to me and we were in the same class. I was 23.We were great friends. I helped him in English and to write messages that he would send to other girls 'in English.This went on until the girl (teacher of the university) rejected his proposal.He proposed me a few days later. I accepted it.He wanted marriage, I wanted time.The relationship lasted for 5 months before he ended it. He wanted to be friends.Every now and then I message him regarding my problems and he offers me a solution or at least consoles me.That’s how our friendship had started.It’s been 2 years now. He never texted me but always replied back.While in the relationship he has always been looking around at other girls. The relationship had been very controlling, dominating but did help me during my difficult times.I don't know what it was. Did he even love me?He wants to be friends with me the entire lifetime. What does my friendship or presence offer him? He has also taken academic help from me during university days.
Ans:

Dear S,

The very fact that you have asked me this question as to whether he loved you at all simply suggests that you have the answer to that.

Certain actions of people can make us quite unsettled and I would like to point you to the fact of him proposing to you almost immediately after he was rejected by the other girl (teacher).

What does that tell you?

Doesn’t it seem that he is possibly incapable of taking rejections and also wants to feel the aura of woman around him all the time?

Aren’t these messages enough for you to be able to find someone more mature and someone who respects your presence in his life and wants to marry you for love and a life together rather than to make him feel secure, whole and complete?

Never try and fill an emotional void in a person which must be filled by them on their own accord. Once you fill it, another void will be waiting to be filled by someone else and before you know, you will be caught in a loop that can’t be untied.

Your presence offers him warmth, attention and care of woman that you have possibly been splurging on him.

When he finds another woman offering this, he might be ready to try that as well. Be your own person, guard your boundaries and let people in who nourish you and accept you for who you are.

Be well and happy!

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |825 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 16, 2022

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Relationship
Hello mam,I have been friends with a guy from my school for last 10 years. We know each other pretty well. I even tied him a rakhi just to protect our friendship; I was too naïve. Since last month we are seeing each other frequently and have had conversations about family issues, future goals etc and during all these talks he used to come up with the topic of marriage and dropped hints for me.When I told him that I keep thinking about him throughout the day he replied that 'I gave you emotional support when you were stressed and that's why this is happening. You shouldn't pay attention to these thoughts.'What should I do? I am confused whether I love him or it was just the way he thinks it is? Please keep this anonymous.Thank you.
Ans:

Dear AS,

So brotherly feelings turned into love?

I guess when you tied the rakhi, you simply were trying to avoid facing up to the fact that there already might have been feelings for him, and it was convenient to seal the connection with a rakhi. Possible?

Now that both have discovered that it might be more than what you thought of initially, please sit down like mature individuals and talk about it.

No point trying to avoid the feelings for each other if they indeed exist. After which, both of you can decide the right course of action.

Also, dropping hints might be your reading of the situation based on what you wished or hoped for.

It could very well be one-sided from you, so it’s better to have that frank chat and put all these doubts and uncertainties to rest.

Makes sense? Wait no longer…

All the best!

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Rishta

Rishta Guru  |7 Answers  |Ask -

Rishta Guru - Answered on Feb 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 15, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
My friend, let’s call him A, and I have been very, very good friends for seven years now. Suddenly, one day, he told me he loves me. I was shocked. I did not know how to react and I walked away. It has been a week and we haven’t spoken to each other; rather, I haven’t spoken to him though he smiles at me whenever we see each other in college. He has messaged me but I have not acknowledged it. He said it’s okay if I do not want a relationship, we can be friends. He’s a really great guy, one of the nicest people I have met. I am not ready for a relationship with anyone and definitely not with him. There are things I want to do, a career to achieve, before I think about a relationship. But he’s a great friend, one of my best buddies but I don’t love him like that and I don’t think I ever will. What should I do? I am very unhappy. I feel that if we go back to being friends things will never be the same again.
Ans: Hi. Thank you for writing in.

I can understand that you feel shocked and unsure about how to react when a close friend suddenly confesses his feelings, especially when you don't reciprocate them.

Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Have an honest conversation with A

It's important to communicate your feelings clearly to A. While avoiding him or ignoring his messages may seem easier, it can prolong the tension and create unnecessary hurt. Choose a quiet place where you can talk freely and avoid distractions.

Express your appreciation for his friendship and honesty. Explain that you value him as a friend but don't have romantic feelings for him. Be clear and direct about your desire not to be in a relationship at this time.

Acknowledge that things might feel different after this conversation but emphasise your desire to maintain the friendship if possible. Be open to hearing his perspective as well.

2. Set boundaries

If A's behaviour makes you uncomfortable or gives you mixed signals, politely but firmly set boundaries. This could involve reducing one-on-one time and being direct about topics you're not comfortable discussing.

3. Allow time and space

Processing emotional situations takes time. Both you and A need space to adjust to the changed dynamic. Give yourselves the space to reflect and understand your own feelings.

4. Seek support

Talking to a trusted friend or family member can help you navigate this complex situation and process your emotions.

True friendship can sometimes withstand difficult conversations and honest communication. While the dynamics might change, it's possible to maintain a respectful and supportive friendship.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |939 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 27, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hello Sir, I am looking at imvesting around Rs.20,000 per month in SIP with good returns and overall balanced portfolio along with some us stock exposure (Parag Parikh kind of funds). Please provide your valuable suggest in which mutual funds should I invest or is ETF better option
Ans: When considering your investment strategy, actively managed funds can offer distinct advantages over ETFs. Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers who actively research and select investments they believe will outperform the market. This active management can potentially lead to higher returns compared to passively managed ETFs.

Furthermore, actively managed funds have the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and exploit emerging opportunities. Fund managers can adjust their portfolios in response to market trends, economic indicators, and company-specific developments, aiming to optimize returns while managing risk.

On the other hand, ETFs, while offering low expense ratios and broad market exposure, often deliver only mediocre returns. Since they passively track an index, ETFs are unable to take advantage of market inefficiencies or capitalize on undervalued securities in the same way actively managed funds can.

Considering your desire for balanced returns and exposure to US stocks akin to Parag Parikh-like funds, actively managed funds offer a more suitable option. They provide the potential for superior performance while aligning with your investment objectives and preferences. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can help you identify the most appropriate actively managed funds to include in your portfolio.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |939 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hello, I am 25 years old. Due to personal reasons I invest in only 100% equity mutual funds that do not invest in banking stocks. Currently I am investing in 3 mutual funds: Nippon India Power & Infra direct growth, Taurus Ethical fund and Tata Ethical fund. I have set Tata ethical fund aside as a retirement fund. Can you suggest where can I invest more (sectoral mfs or gold etf etc.)to correctly diversify my portfolio.
Ans: Given your current allocation to 100% equity mutual funds without exposure to banking stocks, let's explore other avenues for diversification while respecting your investment preferences.

One option is to consider adding a component of debt instruments to your portfolio. Debt mutual funds can provide stability and income generation, complementing the growth-oriented equity funds you're already invested in. Look for funds with high-quality debt securities and a track record of consistent returns.

Another avenue to explore is allocating a portion of your portfolio to gold. Gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds can act as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations, diversifying your portfolio and reducing overall risk.

Additionally, you might consider increasing your exposure to international equities. Investing in global markets can provide access to a broader range of opportunities and reduce reliance on any single market or economy.

Ultimately, the key is to maintain a balanced portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can help you navigate these options and tailor a diversified investment strategy that suits your needs.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |939 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

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Money
I have a lumpsum amount of 20lakh to invest but have no idea how to invest to get a steady monthly income.
Ans: It's understandable to feel uncertain about how to make your lump sum work for you. As a Certified Financial Planner, I'm here to help navigate this journey with you. Have you considered the power of diversification?

Diversification is like spreading your bets across multiple horses in a race rather than putting all your money on just one. In the investment world, it means allocating your funds across different types of assets like stocks, bonds, and maybe even commodities or real estate investment trusts (REITs). This way, if one asset underperforms, others may compensate, reducing overall risk.

Active funds are managed by professional fund managers who actively research and select investments they believe will outperform the market. This active management can potentially lead to higher returns compared to simply tracking an index.

Regular funds, accessed through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), provide a structured approach to investing. Your MFD can offer personalized advice and support, helping you navigate the complexities of the market and make informed decisions.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a portfolio that balances risk and reward, tailored to your unique circumstances and financial goals. Together with a Certified Financial Planner and your MFD, we can design a strategy that aims to provide you with a steady monthly income while safeguarding your financial future.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |939 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |939 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi, I'm an 18 year old male, recently turned on January of this year, the first thing I did was to open a bank account. I have saved around 1Lakh approx, to be specific 96-97K, from the past two and an half or so year. Currently I have no debt, I don't use credit card, currently no loan. I have a debit card which I use to purchase stuff, my spending is very frugale, except from needs. I have recently opened a demat account and invested around 26-27K in the Indian market, to get a gist of things actually work. I have divided the money into Index/ETF, mid cap and Large cap. Mostly the money is in Index. What should be my next steps to grow, and can you suggest me some demat accounts that are good to use, currently am using INDmoney. I also have plans to study abroad, especially do my bachelor's. I need an amout of around 40-45Lakhs, a safe side of 50Lakhs, if the duration of the study is 3-4years with 2 years extra of work visa what should I do to repay the loan and still have money to progress forward with my career.
Ans: Firstly, congratulations on taking proactive steps towards financial responsibility at such a young age. Your disciplined approach to saving and investing is truly commendable.

As you embark on your journey to grow your wealth and prepare for your studies abroad, it's crucial to strategize wisely. Have you considered the potential benefits of diversifying your investments through actively managed funds rather than relying solely on passive index funds? While index funds offer broad market exposure, active funds are managed by professionals who aim to outperform the market.

For your demat account, have you thought about seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner or a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) to ensure that you are making well-informed investment decisions? Digital platforms are convenient, but the personalized advice and support from a certified professional can add immense value to your investment journey.

As for planning for your education abroad, have you contemplated exploring investment avenues beyond the stock market? Given the specific timeframe and financial goal, alongside potential currency fluctuations, it's crucial to explore a mix of investment options that align with your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Wishing you the very best as you navigate these financial decisions, and may your journey be filled with learning and growth.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |939 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

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Money
Sir what are the best thematic mutual funds giving high returns . Can you share a few. I just found icici infra structure fund . Similarly can you suggest any thematic funds giving high returns onky for lumpsum investment for 3to 5 years tome frame
Ans: Naveen,

It's wonderful to see your proactive approach towards exploring thematic mutual funds for potential high returns. Thematic funds can indeed be enticing with their focus on specific sectors like infrastructure, technology, or healthcare. While thematic funds have the potential for high returns, they also come with increased risk due to their concentrated exposure.

Have you considered the risks associated with investing in thematic funds? As these funds are heavily dependent on the performance of a particular sector, fluctuations in that sector could significantly impact your investment. To mitigate risk and ensure a more balanced portfolio, it might be beneficial to diversify your investments across different sectors by considering diversified active equity funds.

Certified Financial Planners often recommend a diversified approach to investing as it helps in spreading the risk and capturing opportunities across various sectors. By opting for diversified funds, you can benefit from the growth potential of multiple sectors while managing the inherent risks associated with thematic funds.

It's essential to align your investment choices with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Before making any investment decisions, I encourage you to consult with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances.

Invest wisely, stay diversified, and may your financial journey be filled with growth and stability.
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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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