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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |619 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 24, 2024

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 - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

I got married three months ago, during courtship period my ex was in my office but then my marriage wasn't fixed properly ,when it got yeses from both the side I changed my office,but I couldn't tell this to my husband and also I lied about my virginity,he was also not virgin and after marriage I confessed all this ,now he is not forgiving me for my dishonesty and not letting me come home also he abuse me verbally ,slapped me..I also feel like cheated for not letting me know this side of him before marriage..How should I go ahead?

Ans: I'm truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing in your new marriage. It's concerning to hear that you're experiencing verbal abuse and physical violence from your husband. No one deserves to be treated this way, and it's important to prioritize your safety and well-being.

First and foremost, if you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, please reach out to local authorities or a trusted friend or family member for support. Your safety is paramount.

In terms of next steps, it's essential to seek support and assistance from professionals who can help you navigate this situation. Consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in relationships and domestic violence. They can provide you with guidance, support, and resources to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Additionally, you may want to consider reaching out to organizations or hotlines that specialize in supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence. They can offer confidential support, safety planning, and resources to help you leave the abusive situation and rebuild your life.

It's also crucial to recognize that you are not responsible for your husband's abusive behavior, and you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in your marriage. If your husband is unwilling to seek help or change his behavior, it may be necessary to consider your options for leaving the relationship to ensure your safety and well-being.

Leaving an abusive relationship can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. There are people and resources available to support you every step of the way. Please prioritize your safety and take steps to protect yourself from further harm. You deserve to live a life free from abuse and violence.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1651 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Relationship
Hello, I am 41 year old professional. I had met my husband before marriage though social media 5 years back and thereafter maintaining distance relationship and meeting occasionally for 3 years we got married in 2021. It was a struggle for marriage as it was inter caste and inter religious marriage. Everything was smooth in relationship to the fact that I’m responsible for all financial matters as my husband has no job. He is still trying and looking for job. I didn’t mind much but would encourage him to get the job to be mentally and physically fit. Last year we went to his nephews marriage to his village. It was of 7 day programme. On second day I noticed him watching another women ( nephews mother’s sister who has 2 daughters) At that time I didn’t pay attention. After 2 days on a night function I saw my husband texting from far but he looked at that lady again. She also seemed to texting. I became suspicious. Later that night when he came to room I asked to show him his phone he was reluctant. I had to snatch his phone and I saw that he was texting the same lady and in that had asked her to meet her alone. and asking her where he can meet her. I gnashed cried and made a huge scene coz this was not what I had expected. He tried to convince that she was his girlfriend of past and suddenly after seeing her after sometime he only wanted to talk to her. I only asked her ... why alone? He had told me during dating that she had a girlfriend ( never told her identity) and that she has married and moved on. Feeling cheated I could not sleep but only cried that night and in the morning if we can return to our city. Programme had not finished but he agreed and we left. Since then that night and those days still haunt me ; thinking what didn’t I do to love him so much and in return we get cheated. I’m still with him, but mentally I still feel cheated and still am in doubt that he is in touch with her. I am not able to do my duties as part of my mind thinks he cheats me though I have confronted many times on this and he denies that he is not in touch with her Should I leave him or continue with this marriage? We still don’t have any baby.
Ans: Dear Vandana,
Clearly you are more into him than he is into you. Baby or no baby, he seems like someone who isn't going to be steady...what was the need to hide and plan a meeting and if the other lady has moved on, what is doing hanging around her?
And with no financial assurance and stability, he is only tuning his energies to external validation to 'up' his elf esteem...

Isn't it time you actually called him out for his wayward nature and his absolute reluctance to take on some responsibility in the marriage and home? The more you are quiet, the more he is going to feel that you are supporting this nonsense...call it out and NOW! And as for your state of mind, do know that you have it in you to hold your own...don't base you peace of mind on anything outside of you...

All the best!

..Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |619 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 08, 2024

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Relationship
Hello, I am 41 year old professional. I had met my husband before marriage though social media 5 years back and thereafter maintaining distance relationship and meeting occasionally for 3 years we got married in 2021. It was a struggle for marriage as it was inter caste and inter religious marriage. Everything was smooth in relationship to the fact that I’m responsible for all financial matters as my husband has no job. He is still trying and looking for job. I didn’t mind much but would encourage him to get the job to be mentally and physically fit. Last year we went to his nephews marriage to his village. It was of 7 day programme. On second day I noticed him watching another women ( nephews mother’s sister who has 2 daughters) At that time I didn’t pay attention. After 2 days on a night function I saw my husband texting from far but he looked at that lady again. She also seemed to texting. I became suspicious. Later that night when he came to room I asked to show him his phone he was reluctant. I had to snatch his phone and I saw that he was texting the same lady and in that had asked her to meet her alone. and asking her where he can meet her. I gnashed cried and made a huge scene coz this was not what I had expected. He tried to convince that she was his girlfriend of past and suddenly after seeing her after sometime he only wanted to talk to her. I only asked her ... why alone? He had told me during dating that she had a girlfriend ( never told her identity) and that she has married and moved on. Feeling cheated I could not sleep but only cried that night and in the morning if we can return to our city. Programme had not finished but he agreed and we left. Since then that night and those days still haunt me ; thinking what didn’t I do to love him so much and in return we get cheated. I’m still with him, but mentally I still feel cheated and still am in doubt that he is in touch with her. I am not able to do my duties as part of my mind thinks he cheats me though I have confronted many times on this and he denies that he is not in touch with her Should I leave him or continue with this marriage? We still don’t have any baby.
Ans: Dear Vandana

I understand how heartbreaking it can be to find out your spouse is cheating. I would only tell you one thing- if the thought of leaving him has crossed your mind even once, it is worth sitting down and introspecting. If you happen to come to an understanding that separation would be what's best for you, have an open and clear discussion with your spouse. If he agrees to change his ways, you can give it another shot. But that's completely up to you. No one can force you to give him a second chance. As you said, you don't still have a child and it is best to come to a decision before there is a child in the equation. If your husband does not care about it and sticks to his behavior, there will remain not a shred of doubt that separation is the right choice. But before all of that, take a beat and think. Not from a place of anger and grudge. Calm yourself and think if you are reading too much into the situation or if is it actually as bad as it looks. It will be tough, but it is important because the rest of your life depends on it.

Best Wishes!

..Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |169 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Oct 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 03, 2024
Relationship
I am 23 year old. One of my ex who is married now told me about a job opportunity in his company where I applied and got selected he became my boss. He was recently married and was staying alone in Bangalore. He made alot of things easier for me, even arranged flight tickets, hotels for me from company's expenses. From first day I reached Mumbai he kept on saying me he loves me and has no intimacy with his wife it was a forced marriage and he can't live without me he came to check me at my hotel and he tried kissing me and when I resisted he said he has never touched his wife, it was his dream to loose his virginity with me only once he wants to have sex with me it was his dream I am his first love he can never be happy with that lady but this one moment will be enough to keep him happy and healthy convinced me to the level I gave up and we had sex that day. Later that day I got to know that he had clicked pictures of whatever happened. When I confronted him he said whenever he will miss me he will see this. I was like u did dis without my knowledge it's wrong without my permission. I left that company and Mumbai immediately in few days. I feel really bad, how I got into his words although I was single but I have a guilty of helping him in cheating his wife. Now he is having 2 children and a very happy mai life and I still keep blaming myself for having a thing with a married man and immense guilty for helping him cheating his wife. I have lost my mental peace. Is it all my fault??? It been 5 years since this things happened. I am happily married now and have no contact with that man but is it correct myself for it. Was it completely my fault. Have i cheated his wife or i myself got cheated by a liar?
Ans: 1. Was it your fault - 23 you are an adult, and someone who can take decisions, you decided to give in, allow him to take photographs - not about fault, but you gave consent
2. Have you got cheated by a liar - yes you did
3. Did you cheat his wife - he cheated his wife and you cheated yourself

Please make sure you BLOCK him from all social media handles, your phone number - surprised that you are still tracking him. And get out of your guilt and focus on your life.

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1651 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 16, 2025
Relationship
Dear Anu, Am Shilpa,36 years old.Got married to a friend in 2015.It was a love come arranged.Initially married life was going smooth.I was working before marriage and due to marriage and relocation , discontinued the job. After marriage i started new job even though my husband was against it.Some misunderstanding started between us slowly and most of the adjustments were done by me to avoid fights.After 2 years we were blessed with a baby boy and i had to reluctantly and was also forced to quit job to take care of our kid.And i agreed and things went smoothly again for 3 more years.I got busy with my motherhood. I felt my husband was happy and was changing for the happy family. But i was wrong, he had a physical relationship with his ex college friend. They used to have sex in hotels. They even had sex chats and used to share nude pictures . This broke my heart completely and was disturbed mentally. I wanted to enquire my husband with all the proofs in my hand.without the proof he would prove me mentally retarded women. Initially he asaulted and abused me for blaming on him.But when he knew abt the proofs, he accepted and apologised for his mistake and begged me not to take divorce only for the sake of our son.Even i dropped the idea of divorce thinking the future of our son.Later few months he acted as if he changed himself completely but he always had disrespect on me and my parents. I even suffered domestic violence once which shattered me into pieces. Even then he apologised me and forced me to drop the idea of divorce. I again started to adjust and compromise with my life only because of my kid and his good future as all elders advice. This adjustments continued for few more months.But once i saw his ex girlfriend calls and daughter pics in his mobile, i was again mentally disturbed and after thinking many times, i made up my mind and left him without explanning him . I packed all my luggage and came to my parents with my kid. Now i got a job in which i opted work from home so that i can concentrate on my kid and support myself financially. Am trying to move on but my true love towards him is making it difficult. Please advice me on this Anu mam. The step which i took is right ? After seperation he is harassing me to visit son and kidnapped him 2 times. I really don't want to share my son with him.Please advice what should I do.
Ans: Dear Shilpa,
You have done what you needed to in order to protect your child and your sanity. Your husband could never get over his affair and he possibly won't. He maybe never even tried...

I firmly suggest you go to the cops so that he does not try to take the child away...Also, have you thought about a legal separation? That will offer you and your child enough protection and it will stop his harassment. This is not an easy decision to make BUT what choice is he leaving you with? Kidnapping the child? If by kidnapping you mean that he takes away the child without informing you, please watch out and contact a lawyer. A BIG BIG RED FLAG...Act soon...

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  |1651 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 26, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hello Anu, I am married for 14 yrs. I have 5 yrs old twins. Currently I am dealing with my husband's extra marital affair with his ex colleague. In 2022 we went to abroad with my husband. But I found it very difficult to adjust with 2 3.5 yrs kids with my son diagnosed with ASD. I came back to India in 6 months.In April 2024 I came to know that my husband went on vacation with his ex colleague in abroad. He even sponsored her flight ticket and entire vacation. They spent 3 nights in a single hotel room. In 14 yrs old marriage despite being love marriage, I had to sponsor my honeymoon and first anniversary. With me he is always on savings mode where as with this woman he does not even care about money. When I confronted, he and his family blamed everything on me. They said it was my fault that I came back to India. Also as per him and his family it is nothing. Friends can travel like that. They pointed everything on my trust issues. He came back to India but he did not even contact me. He just wanted to meet kids. He never accepted his affair. As per him she is just a friend. I wanted divorce first but I asked him whether he wants to marry that woman he said NO. So we started couple therapy. During therapy he accepted his mistakes and said he was alone. That woman was going through her second divorce. And they started chatting on what's app frequently. Then calls and video calls. That woman was in India. He said he wants his family. But he never gave me any details about his affair. I came to know that when he was in India during holiday they went to pune , he lied to me and went to pune to be with her. There also they spent night in 5 star hotel room. I was devasted. This also he did not tell me. Going on vacation, sharing a hotel room , sharing a bed is nothing for them. I am also BE but I feel like he has crossed all boundaries. I was devasted. I felt so much betrayed that I was getting thoughts of suicide but looking at my kids I decided to work on our marriage. In diwali he gifted me a saree, we spent quality time as family. I said let's forget all and start a new life in our new house but please leave that affair. He said ok. But again he cheated. He booked 5 star resort room for her. He even sponsored her flight ticket. I was genuinely trying to save my marriage, to build our bond but he messed it. Even after that he wants to be with me. Recently I lost my job as well. Counselor told me to ignore his affair. But my husband wants me to pay half EMI, half of everything even though he has onsite money. I feel stuck in this marriage now. This man has always neglected my needs.He never respected me, he never valued me the way he is treating that woman. He wants me to perform all wifely duties but also wants to enjoy his time with that woman. Now he is saying he has stopped contact with her. But in Diwali he said the same in temple .when I am asking for divorce he is saying I want his money. He has zero regrets , no remorse of his actions. I am mentally very much disturbed now. I feel worthless and hopeless because of all these things. Now he wants to live with me but he wants me to share all the expenses. I don't trust him now and I don't want to invest my money in this marriage as there is no transparency. He has also disrespected my parents when they went to ask him about his affair. If he loves that woman this much why can't he accept that and leave me? He wants me to take a call. He leaving me would have helped me to move on. Is it worth saving such marriage where there are insecurities, no trust , no transparency, no respect? I put my ego aside for many times but should I also loose my self respect? I have decided to protect myself now.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Clearly your therapy didn't take you anywhere and your counselor telling you to forget the affair makes it even more clear that he/she was leading you into a space of impossibility. If it's so easy to forget, why haven't you? Because it is not possible to forget what impacts you the most...
It has to be worked upon and skimmed over. What I could gather from what you have shared is that you seem to be waiting for your husband to decide the fate of your marriage!
What's your thought on it? What makes you wait for his approval or decision on it? If after repeated attempts, the marriage does not seem like a priority to him, how can you expect him to make a decision about it?
He's a pretty cat sitting on a fence playing both fields and wishing that he can be the best player on both sides of the field...You get the depth of this? He's never going to decide and this will constantly keep you on the edge not letting you move on anything.
I am sure you will be relieved knowing that the decision when in your court can help you accelerate things and it will be clear how and when you wish to move on...
The decision must be yours NOW!

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9785 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 19, 2025Hindi
Money
Am 32 years old with salary of 1 lakh per month and monthly expenses of around 60-70k as am single earning member of my family of 5, recently married, no kids and all my savings have been depleted in marriage and I don't have any savings or investment. I only have one term insurance of 1 crore and medical coverage for myself of 10 lakh and PF of around 1lakh. I would like to start savings & investment journey to retire by 50 but I also have to buy a house(cost around 40 lakh) in next 10 years & car in next 4 years. Please guide me what should be my savings and investment strategy
Ans: You are 32 years old. You have just started your married life.
You have no savings currently but have a steady income. You are also supporting your family.
You want to buy a car in 4 years, a house in 10 years, and retire by 50.
These are clear and realistic goals. Starting now with the right plan is very important.

Let’s look at your profile in a 360-degree view and build a complete strategy for your savings and investments.

? Family and Financial Responsibilities

– You are newly married and supporting a family of 5.
– You are the only earning member at present.
– You have no kids now, but this may change in a few years.

Right now, your family depends fully on your income. So, stability and discipline are very important.

? Income and Expense Overview

– You earn Rs. 1 lakh per month.
– Monthly expenses are Rs. 60K–70K.

This leaves you with Rs. 30K–40K surplus per month.
This is a strong base to begin your financial journey.

It is very important to save at least Rs. 25K from this every month.

? Current Assets and Insurance Cover

– Term insurance of Rs. 1 Cr is active.
– You have health cover of Rs. 10L for yourself.
– EPF balance is around Rs. 1L.
– No other savings or assets currently.

You have taken the first correct steps by starting term and health cover.
Make sure health cover includes family members as they are dependent on you.
As you grow older, adding family floater will be a wise move.

? Emergency Fund Is Your Next Priority

– You don’t have any emergency fund now.
– This is your first and most urgent step.

Start building a minimum of Rs. 1.5L–2L over the next 6 months.
This should be parked in a safe liquid or ultra-short debt fund.
Do not invest this in equity. Keep it easily accessible.

This is your buffer for job loss, hospital expenses, or urgent needs.

? Set Your Financial Goals Clearly

You have shared three goals. Let's plan them in detail:

– Car purchase (Rs. 8–10L in 4 years)
– House purchase (Rs. 40L in 10 years)
– Retirement (at age 50, in next 18 years)

All these goals have different timelines. So, different strategies are needed.

? Goal 1: Car Purchase in 4 Years

– Budget is around Rs. 8–10L.
– Don’t take a car loan. Start saving monthly instead.

Invest Rs. 10K–12K/month in ultra-short or short-term debt funds.
These are safer for short-term goals. They give better returns than FDs.

Avoid equity mutual funds for this goal. You don’t have enough time to recover losses if the market falls.

When goal is 12 months away, move all funds to liquid fund.

Car is a depreciating asset. So, buy within your means. Avoid emotional spending here.

? Goal 2: House Purchase in 10 Years

– Estimated cost: Rs. 40L.
– You may need Rs. 8L–10L as down payment.

For this goal, equity mutual funds can be used in the beginning.
But slowly reduce risk as you approach the goal year.

Invest Rs. 10K–12K/month into actively managed mutual funds.
Avoid index funds. They are average performers and don’t protect you during market falls.

Actively managed funds, when reviewed regularly, give better outcomes.
Start with a mix of large-cap and flexi-cap mutual funds.

Do not choose direct plans without advisor help.
– Direct plans have no guidance, no reviews, and lead to poor fund choice.
– Regular plans with MFDs who are CFPs provide goal-based planning and corrections.

When you are 3 years away from the house goal, shift from equity to debt funds.
This protects you from market risk. Don’t let a market crash affect your house plan.

? Goal 3: Retirement by Age 50

– You have 18 years to build retirement wealth.
– Since you have no savings now, this needs focus.

Start with Rs. 8K–10K/month into actively managed mutual funds.
You can increase this as your income grows.

Choose a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, and balanced advantage funds.
Don't invest all in aggressive funds. Balance is key.

EPF and retirement corpus must grow side by side.
Don’t withdraw EPF early. Let it compound.

Also, consider opening NPS to get tax benefit and build retirement asset.
Limit NPS to 10–15% of total retirement plan. Too much NPS can reduce post-retirement liquidity.

Do not depend on real estate for retirement. It is illiquid.
Also, rental income is uncertain and property sales take time.

Keep equity mutual funds as your main retirement engine.

Review the plan every 2 years with a Certified Financial Planner.

? Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Allocation

With Rs. 30K–35K surplus, you can follow this SIP plan:

– Rs. 10K/month → Car purchase (in debt funds)
– Rs. 12K/month → House down payment (in equity funds)
– Rs. 10K/month → Retirement goal (in diversified mutual funds)
– Rs. 2K–3K/month → Emergency fund (in liquid fund)

As your income increases, raise SIPs each year by 10–15%.

Stick to this discipline for the next 5 years and your financial position will be strong.

? Don’t Take Investment Advice from Banks or Unqualified Sources

Avoid random product selling by banks.
They push what earns them the most, not what suits you.

Avoid endowment, ULIP, or investment-insurance policies.
These give poor returns, long lock-ins, and very little flexibility.

Also, avoid annuities in future. They give fixed income, but poor inflation adjustment.

You need flexible, growing income after retirement. Mutual funds offer that.

? Avoid Index Funds and Direct Plans

Index funds look cheap but come with big disadvantages:
– No downside protection during market crash
– Poor performance during sideways markets
– Cannot outperform benchmarks
– Passive strategy may not meet your goal timelines

Direct mutual funds are low-cost, but come with high risk for new investors:
– No guidance
– No goal tracking
– High chances of wrong fund selection
– No portfolio review or corrections

Regular funds via a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP help offer better goal-based investing.
The advisory support helps you avoid mistakes and stay on course.

? Tax and Investment Planning

Use EPF and NPS for tax savings under Section 80C and 80CCD(1B).
Start SIPs in ELSS only if you haven’t reached the 80C limit.

Plan MF redemptions smartly to avoid capital gains tax.
As per new rules:

– LTCG above Rs. 1.25L/year on equity MFs is taxed at 12.5%
– STCG is taxed at 20%
– Debt fund gains are taxed as per your slab

So always avoid churning funds without need. Review redemptions carefully.

? Next 6 Months Plan of Action

– Build Rs. 2L emergency fund in liquid funds
– Start SIP of Rs. 10K/month in debt funds for car goal
– Start Rs. 12K/month SIP in equity funds for house goal
– Start Rs. 10K/month SIP for retirement
– Avoid new liabilities or emotional spends

Track each SIP goal separately. Don’t mix funds.
Label your folios for clear tracking (car, house, retirement, etc.)

? Final Insights

You are starting at zero. But you have time on your side.
A disciplined start today will build a safe future.

Start slow, but stay consistent. Avoid reacting to short-term events.

Invest with a Certified Financial Planner who offers regular tracking.
You will avoid mistakes and reach your financial goals in time.

Your future is in your hands. Plan it with patience and proper direction.

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.

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