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Trapped in a Toxic Marriage: Help! My Husband is a Mama's Boy and His Mother is Controlling

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1733 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 11, 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 - Nov 09, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

I got married 1year back. It was an arrange marriage. But boy & his mother put so much efforts for convincing me for a year, though I was not comfortable by his mom’s behaviour of over controlling & dominating (she is on various anti psychotics medicine for 10-15 years), her husband is no more. I had my only parent my mom who got expired 3years back, no siblings. I am in good profession with job since 6 years. I kept myself busy in hobbies to get out of this loss. During that period, this family approached my relatives. I talked to them but couldn’t get convinced by their behaviour as his mom seemed to be very cunning. But finally got married to same person as my relatives were already convinced. They apologised & promised for their past misbehaviour. From first month, I got to know that I m married to a mama’s boy who made fake promises for protecting me. He becomes so unstable & had multiple outbursts. He puts all blames on me, he gaslights about me, whenever he is under his mom’s affect. My job is far away from their home. So I didn’t quit my job & living alone even after marriage. We both husband-wife meet on weekends. But as soon as he spends a day with his mom, he starts talking shit about me. His mom directly targets me in front of him, he never defends me. He just compensates with outings.. but later on, blames me that I asked him to take me out. I go home only for weekends.. but in that also his mom speaks something out of her own insecurities. I am clear now that her only intention is to make us fighting so he never visits me. And if I visit them, she does something blackmailing to threaten his son if he tries to ignore her. (For more info— she has all the authority & money though she was always the homemaker, no contact with her own in-laws, her own brothers & parents , even her own married daughter). I am totally helpless to save my marriage. I tried various therapists for couple counselling sessions but he does not show much if compliance & his mom just hate when u suggest couple counsellings. She wants everything in her hand, which I understood so early , so I kept continuing my work & living at my workplace. But my husband also never recognise the root cause. He gives me silent treatment for days till weekend. He just blames me everyday , very very sarcastic tone that I don’t want to talk to him even on a call. He does something for me & then everyday he blames me for asking for that which is totally false. Now I refuse to take any favour from my husband. I tried for baby but miscarriage. There was so much stress & immediately I moved to my workplace. Plz any suggestions?? For how long, me & my husband will be living like this ? Is there any similar case with some positive hope ?? I know he has some personality issues, one moment he is nice to me & within hours he backfires continues to talk without listening with full energy of blaming me for everything. He imagines something false to portrait about my image & doesn’t trust me at all. On other hand by their behaviour, I am constantly missing my beloved mom. And getting into that grief of losing her deeper. I am seeing my mom in my dreams regularly these days. I am feeling betrayed by trusting them & made a wrong decision on their fake promises.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You did ignore all the red flags that you already had spotted. You have married a man who is completely under his mother's spell. And from what you have shared counseling hasn't helped either. It would not have as until people think that they want things to change, nothing much will change.
I am unsure about how things can turn positive unless both spouses get deeply involved in working on the marriage. Also, how far are you willing to go to put that single-handed effort for you to see the change in him...It could be a heavy task on you!
It's about time that you evaluate where you stand in this marriage and how much longer you be the one to keep the marriage together? This should give you an indication on what your next steps can be...

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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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1733 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 14, 2021

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Relationship
Dear mam, I am married for 14 yrs. Love marriage. I used to work earlier but quit because my husband was earning well and he said he will take care of me and my son. We used to be a happy couple but during the lockdown my mother-in-law and sister-in-law decided to move in with us. Slowly they started creating issues between my husband and me often badmouthing my behaviour or complaining about me. I was unaware about it until recently when we had a big fight. That’s when I realised that they have been planning to drive me out of the house and get him married to someone else whom they can manipulate. It’s been over a year now that my husband is not even talking to me properly. I went and stayed with my parents for some time but even they feel I am a burden and should adjust and accommodate instead of giving them reasons to fight. They don’t understand that all this is politics. Now my husband is talking to some girl whom I don’t like. That is causing more problems and fights between us. Anything I say is used against me now. Please help me mam. What to do?
Ans: Dear R, why did they start to create issues between you and your husband?

What led to this? It rarely happens that people go after people with no reason.

Did you have any reservations about them coming and staying over?

Did you express it in some form to them? (Ask these to yourself so that you know that any act on your part did not lead to this situation. Of course, nothing justifies their plotting to get their son married behind your back).

If the answer to this is NO, then it's time to confront your husband, get a mediator and put things on the table.

What does he want? What do you want?

Do you both want to continue in this marriage?

What are his responsibilities towards your son?

These need to be addressed without anymore delay. Being in a limbo state is not fun as it keeps you guessing and the uncertainty can cause a lot of stress.

Also, kindly sensitise your parents towards what you are going through, so that support you in this time of need.

Act NOW and whatever you decide, put yourself first and take care of you emotional state of mind.

Best wishes!

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1733 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jul 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 01, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi mam,im 38 years old and my husband 41 years old.we are joint family.My husband is in NRI and he comes to india yearly once.He have spend 45 days in a year only.we have two kids one kid is 5 years old and another kid is 8 years old.im staying with my mother in law.we got married since 2014.my husband not giving importance except financial advice.He is always supporting for his mother and his elder sister.Sometimes some conflicts between his mother and me.Many times i accept and give response for her age but sometimes she is speaking rudely.i cant control my anger and shows my anger to her its just 5 percent but 95 percentagd she is doing.whenever i told to my husband he told me that u are the reason for fight and u have to adjust all things.He give first preference for his mother and sister only.All parents are struggling to raise them but he talk that his mother only struggling and give this much life.His parents nothing do special .they are not do any specific or any special things.if i take and talk same like that what will happened.Some arguments and fight will come between us.he didnt accept his mothers mistake.He is good amma payan.And wherever we go he comes along with his mother.Im living with his mother for whole year even in his vacation time also he is not ready to spend some time with me and he didnt respect my feelings.Even lost year kerala trip also he comes along with his mother only.i told him wherever we goto temple we along with your mother but i need to spent time with you alone but he never listen my words and told that his mother never seen before this place.As a son can satisfying her expection.And my side all things doing with my parents is a certain limit.He is going toomuch for his mother and i want to tell one thing for 10 years of marriage life we didnt go any honeymoon trip also.wherever we go just nearby cinima shopping and nearby park we go alone and return back only.i want to spend with him what i have to do but he is not.i need some relief for my routine life.he never understood me.Kindly give some advice to rectify my problem.And in fronf of his son his mother spoke very polite and calm but with me very rude sometimes.I shows my anger with him and he gave me advice to his mother is oldage she is good and something.i got too much anger and fight with him.He always blaming me.What i have to do.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You have married a man who is stuck in an unhealthy relationship. Many homes have a case of the mother and son stuck together and this impacts the marriage. The son never wants to grow up and the mother does not allow the son to grow up. That way she can still have control over him and he enjoys all that attention.
Honestly the two of you need to go through Marriage Therapy with the spotlight on how to build a marriage that your husband has to learn. I don't know if your husband will agree to allow a third person to tell him that he's stuck in something and needs to move from there by growing up.

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

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Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |231 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 13, 2025

Money
Dear sir/madam I have some ten lakh in NRI FD for 7% interest, if I keep 50%in mutual fund can I use the amount any of emergency as well as which mutual fund suggest for me
Ans: Dear Sir/Madam,

If you are planning to move 50% of your ?10 lakh NRI Fixed Deposit into mutual fund options, please note that you can definitely access the money during emergencies, provided you select the correct categories designed for high liquidity and low risk.

1. Can Mutual Fund Money Be Used During Emergencies?

Yes — if you invest in the right categories.

Categories suitable for emergency access:

? Liquid Funds
? Money Market Funds
? Ultra Short Duration Funds

These categories generally offer T+0 to T+1 liquidity (same day or next working day), have no lock-in period, and maintain low risk compared to equity-oriented investments.

2. Recommended Allocation (NRI – Balanced & Safe Plan)

Since you already have ?10 lakh in a fixed deposit, retaining ?5 lakh there provides stability and assured interest. The remaining ?5 lakh can be allocated to mutual fund categories that offer both liquidity and growth potential. By placing a portion in liquid or money market categories, you ensure instant access for emergencies, while the rest can be allocated to a moderate-risk hybrid category to give you long-term growth without compromising safety. This balanced approach helps you maintain emergency readiness, reduce risk, and potentially earn better returns than keeping the full amount in FD.

3. Option A: If You Want Emergency Access + Low Risk

(For the 50% amount you wish to shift)

Consider investing in categories such as:

Liquid Fund category

Money Market Fund category

Ultra Short Duration Fund category

These categories are suitable for short-term parking, emergency funds, and low-volatility needs.

4. Option B: If You Want Some Growth Along With Safety

From the ?5 lakh planned for mutual fund investment:

?3 lakh can be placed in liquid or money market categories for emergency and safety

?2 lakh may be placed in a Hybrid/Balanced Advantage category for steady growth with controlled risk

5. Tax Notes for NRIs

Debt-oriented categories: Taxed at 20% with indexation after 3 years

Equity-oriented categories: 10% LTCG above ?1 lakh

Some AMCs deduct TDS for NRIs depending on NRE/NRO mode and investment type
Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10837 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 13, 2025

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |360 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir, I am 39 years PSU employee with monthly net salary of 1.10 lacs. I have a son of 9 years and daughter of 1 year. I am investing in MF through SIPs and lumpsump for last 7 years and my present MF portfolio is 50 lacs with XIRR of almost 18%. Presently I do SIP of 30000 per month. I also have housing loan and my EMI is 42000. I am provided accomodation and medical facilities from my employer. I also have accumulated 18 lacs in PF and Rs. 28 lacs in NPS. I have Term plan of 1.5 crs. I also have liquid funds of 10 lacs in FD for emergency purpose and approx 7 lacs in PPF. Since my child's major education expenses is still 7 to 8 years far for my son and 15 years for my daughter, I will continue my SIP of atleast for next 8 to 10 years without breaking my existing portfolio. Can I generate a corpus of more than 7 crs till my retirement with above funds and will it be sufficient to meet the inflation after 20 years.
Ans: Hi,

You have done and accumulated quite good at your age in different instruments with varied returns. Let us have a detailed look.

1. Emergency Fund - 10 lakhs in FD - good to go.
2. Term Plan - 1.5 crores - good to go.
3. Health Insurance - provided by employer. However, can take a separate personal insurance for yourself and family.
4. PF - 18 lakhs (continue)
5. NPS - 28 lakhs (continue)
6. PPF - 7 lakhs (can stop continuing, invest only bare minimum to keep account active. Close account upon maturity and reallocate these funds in mutual funds)
7. MF Portfolio - 50 lakhs with 30k monthly SIP
8. Home Loan EMI - 42000

Goals:
- Son's education - after 8 years
- Daughter's education - after 15 years
- Retirement - need 7 crores

You are very much on the right track. Your current financials look strong in terms of fulfiling your financial goals.

> Your current MF portfolio can be bifurcated into 2 parts
i. 40 lakhs for your retirement. This amount along with other amount from PF and NPS will finance your retirement forever (inflation adjusted). Additionally you wil lleave behind a great fortune for your kids.
ii. 10 lakhs for your kid's education. Continue your existing SIP of 30k per month and also contribute 7 lakhs from PPF account on its maturity towards this goal. For son, you will have 75 lakhs only from this investment and your daughter's education will have 1.5 crores when she requires.

This way your existing investments can take care of all your goals. Also, do increase your contibution in SIP yearly. It will help in generating a higher corpus for your family.

As your overall investments are more thann 10 lakhs in MFs, it is wise for you to connect with a professional who will assist you and make a dedicated investment plan as per your goals.
Hence, do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who will guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |360 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 13, 2025

Money
My current age is 41 Years old and private employe in I.T sector. I have five kids of 11,8,7,5 &2 years. My elder daughter is in 7th class now. I have monthly Net salary of 1 lakhs after taxes. I am saving 20/30 thousand monthly. My assets are as follows:- I have one house worth Rs.15 lakhs, Two commercial shops worth Rs, 50 L. Having no loan in the market. Insurance Rs. 50 L term plan for me. Yearly I pay 40k. Health insurance 11 lakh for my entire family from my organisation.Yearly I pay 20k. I maintain an emergency fund 1.5 lac liquid on hand. Would like to make a total fund og 5 Cr by 2035. I have a requirement during higher education for childerns/marriage/Business for my son's and retirement at my age of 51 yrs after 10 years. How to grow my income. I would like to focus on high-growth investment to achieve my goal. But I am planning to invest monthly from my salary. More ever I may get 4lack in next month. Now the thing is how to go about 4lack. Where to invest Am confused what to do. Kindly advise further for more wealth creation. Steady plan. Wealth builds slowly but surely. Can someone help design a withdrawal/Saving strategy to meet your income needs and achieve goal. I would like comfortable retirement with a steady income. Thanks....
Ans: Hi Syed,

Let us have a detailed look below:
- Your monthly income - 1 lakhs, expenses - around 75k , and money for saving - approx. 25k per month.
- Emergency fund - 1.5 lakhs . Would suggest you to make a FD of this fund as emergency fund.
- Term and Health insurance - covered. But sum assured is less for your family. It should be increased.
- One house - 15 lakhs; 2 commercial shops - 50 lakhs.

Requirements:
- Need 5 crores by 2035 i.e. in 10 years
- Need fund for higher education and marriage of 5 children
- Retirement corpus required after 10 years

To achieve all these goals, you need to invest starting right now in aggressive mutual funds with 25-30k left with you. And you can increase your investment with the increase in your income.
Realistically, retirement after 10 years is not possible, but you can try and upgrade your skills to earn more and invest more.

You are also getting 4 lakhs next month. Invest entire amount in aggressive mutual funds. Mutual funds will give you an annual return of 14-15% very easily. This is the best way to build wealth for the goals that you mentioned.
>> Make sure to stay away from LIC policies and ULIPs and other plans which lock your money.

As you are not much aware about mutual funds and investment, you should work with a professional who will draft a plan for you.

Hence, please consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

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