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Independent woman married for 20 years seeks advice on strained family relationship

Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  | Answer  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Ashish Sehgal has over 20 years of experience as a counsellor. He holds a doctorate in neuro linguistic programming, mental health and social welfare.He is certified in neurolinguistics by both the Society of NLP and the American Board of NLP.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 23, 2024Hindi
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Hello Dr Ashish - It has come to light recently that my own family members are working tirelessly to strain the relationship between my wife and myself. I came to know about it after almost 2 decades of my marriage. I am shocked to know that my character assassination has been happening since day 1. As I was very busy with my work and other commitments, I was completely not aware of these developments behind my back. Infact my wife also never revealed it to me. She is an independent woman working in a corporate. These differences have caused so much strain in our relationships. The mutual trust had taken a severe beating. At times I have seen her taken over by a feeling of helplessness. As things are clearer now, I am trying to alienate circumstances that might lead to any kind of differences. However, my wife does not think it is a good idea to stay away from our own people. The result is whenever these people come into our otherwise peaceful and a very comfortable life, we tend to fight over the differences created by them. Please advise what can be done here.

Ans: Navigating family dynamics, especially when it involves deep-rooted misunderstandings and long-standing tensions, can be exceptionally challenging. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Open and Honest Communication
Begin by having a candid conversation with your wife. Acknowledge the feelings and experiences she has gone through. It's important to create a safe space where both of you can express your thoughts and emotions without judgment.

2. Set Boundaries
Discuss and establish boundaries regarding interactions with family members. These boundaries are not about cutting ties but about protecting your relationship from negative influences. Agree on what is acceptable and what isn't when it comes to family involvement.

3. Seek Professional Help
Consider seeking the assistance of a relationship counselor or a therapist. A neutral third party can facilitate conversations, helping both of you understand each other's perspectives better and find common ground.

4. Focus on Your Relationship
Spend quality time together, reconnecting and rebuilding trust. Engage in activities that you both enjoy and that strengthen your bond. This will help remind both of you why you chose each other in the first place.

5. Educate and Inform
Gently inform your family about the impact their actions have had on your relationship. This doesn’t have to be confrontational. Use “I” statements to express how their behavior has affected you and your marriage.

6. Mutual Support
Reinforce mutual support and understanding. Recognize that both of you are on the same team and that the goal is to protect and nurture your relationship. Express appreciation for each other’s efforts in navigating these challenges.

7. Long-term Perspective
Understand that change will not happen overnight. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to create a more harmonious environment. Celebrate small victories and progress in your relationship.

8. Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence
Practice mindfulness and enhance your emotional intelligence. Being aware of your own emotions and managing them effectively can help in responding rather than reacting to stressful situations. This can also aid in understanding your wife’s emotional responses better.

Final Thoughts
Building a fortress around your relationship doesn’t mean isolating yourselves from family but rather strengthening your bond to withstand external pressures. Your wife’s perspective on staying connected with family is valid, and finding a balance that respects both of your views is crucial. It’s about creating a unified front and handling external influences together.

This journey requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to each other. By taking these steps, you can work towards rebuilding trust and harmony in your marriage.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Love Guru

Love Guru   | Answer  |Ask -

Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 13, 2022

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Dear Love Guru, My wife and I are in an arranged marriage since around 15 years and there is nothing that we celebrate about our relationship, except kids which are the only reason for our existing relations. I am working abroad and have visits for a month on vacation after every couple of months. After marriage, I noticed my wife’s flirting behaviour with strange men (to seduce) during many occasions but initially ignored it. However, I found it frustrating when I felt her to be habitual flirter. I then spoke to her, which was after around 2.5 years of our marriage, and she denied the matter. Soon noticing such perpetual habits about her, we went on for non-talking terms some time and then a storm broke out in our house. My parents and her parents supported her, since I couldn’t prove any of her behaviour. She has been lying since her behaviour was noticed and even after that, but my love for her and my child (at that time) made me feel that probably that I need to avoid any suspicious behaviour. Such storm was repeated even recently few years earlier. I had thought my idea of a second child would improve our relations, but it hasn’t helped. I could still notice her flirting behaviour with strangers and even with known personnel including my relatives. I even believe her to be in relationship with one of my cousins, based on my observations of their behaviour during our every meet, which I cannot speak of due to my previous experience and which will otherwise definitely terminate our relations. Actually, we are never on good terms these days whenever I visit home and mostly converse only if required. We are also not good in bed and I have also been feeling a low erectile in bed these days. These moments have affected me psychologically and I feel very negative about our relationship. My family remains my priority and I have been trying to see that we all are all happy as a family. I have even sacrificed my own family time for better earnings so that my family can get all the best in life. She takes good care of the children and manages the house nicely. I also ensure that we, as a family, go out on long journeys for travel and my children are everything for me. I have trying to cope up with all this by focusing on work and socialising with friends to the best extent possible. However, her behaviour (in spite of my presence) makes me feel negative. How can I deal with the matter since any re-attempt on my part to speak on the same matter, even if cordially, with my wife will create another storm like earlier? I wish to sort out the differences and need your advice. Should we meet a counsellor separately on this to sort out the matter? Keep me anonymous and respect my privacy.
Ans:

You’ve been sweeping the same issues your marriage has faced from the very beginning under the carpet for 15 years. Why?

And instead of addressing the issues, you decided to go ahead and have a second child?

Having a child is a joy in itself, but it is never the solution to marital woes; in fact, in most cases it only exacerbates the problem.

From everything you’ve told me, you seem to come across as an insecure husband.

I’m not saying that what you’ve told me is untrue, but you keep suspecting your wife of flirting with random men and have no proof of it.

Both sides of the family support her and let me tell you, unless she is a master of deception, no one can conceal their true nature so well from everyone else for the better part of two decades.

Maybe what you construe as flirting is simply her being friendly? Maybe you’re just not comfortable with the manner in which she interacts with other men?

Have you ever managed to prove her inappropriate relations? And when you accuse her, she blows up at you... a guilty party would not react in so volatile a manner.

I do think marital counselling is in order. And yes, maybe separately at first and then together.

Contact a good therapist and do it sooner rather than later... 15 years has been long enough!

 

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1683 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 12, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 06, 2023Hindi
Relationship
Dear Anu I am a 46 year old man .. married for last 16 years... My wife is well educated but a house wife by choice.. I lost my father when i was 18 and had struggled a lot to gain a great life in terms of money, name in my field and satisfaction at work. At home front we live a nuclear family... me, my wife and my 12 year daughter. But after my marriage in 2006 for next 6/7 years we were in joint family. my daughter was born in 2010.. In joint family me, my younger brother his wife and my mother were members... during these years, my wife never got along with my mother, brother and his wife... and also had fights [severe kind] where she accused them for petty reason...she demanded separate house within 3 month of marriage.. but since I was not financially settled so I promised her we will buy own home in course of time... but over these 6&7 years her behavior started really erratic.. she stopped talking to everyone, and keep fighting with all my family. also the house with joint family owned my me and younger brother... she demanded i should sell the house and get my share to buy own house. which i refused as my brother and his family with my mother were also staying there... and while buying it my mother had helped us financially, without having her name as owner. over the period things became really bitter... we also had fights where out of anger I happened to slap her.. but as promised I bought another house [with lot of efforts since i m self employee] within 5/6 years and we shifted to another city around our previous house. but after shifting she had the same temperament. She never got along with me.. Over an argument she would stop talking to me, and when confronted she would mention about my share in old house which i left... she was not happy seeing my brother living in that house with his family and my mother... i told her as promised we bought this house and I haven't withdrew my share in that house.. may be over the year i will take my share as per market value.. but at this point we don't need to do it.. since it will involve a lot of turbulence for my brother, his family and my mother as they were settled there. so I strongly told her she should not think about as she have her house and focus on it. Over these time, we had a very cute daughter... growing.. her schooling started.. i got busy with my work... and my wife by choice chose to be house wife... taking care of house... but she was hell bent on the house issue over selling it and taking my share.. and due to that we had several fights... which became my life miserable. her point was why pay EMI when you can get share and pay off the loans for new house. in these 8/9 years she became bitter person... no ties with my relatives /cousins, no friends, never got along with neighbors... and opposite to that i have very cordial relation with her family, cousins, my family and have great social circle. when my daughter was 10 year old, i was already settled with good career and financial status... i had cleared all the home loan for our new home... i did everything all out to make her happier but her wish to sell that house where my brother with his wife and my mother i didn't take share or sell it.. and she keeps nagging me with that and her temperament getting worst... now she started accusing me for having an affair and threatening me that she will complain police if i argue with her. unfortunately my daughter had to see this... but my daughter is very sorted, focused and a good kid. In last 2 years i managed to buy another house, which is bigger, where we shifted 1.5 years back, she wanted to do a puja and refused to invite anyone from my family.. also bought one more house as investment.. and a farm too as second home... Im very happy and satisfied with my career and other aspects of life... but the bitterness of wife kept on increasing... sometimes i felt she wanted me to fail and she could just take the pleasure of making me feel how she was right.. which never happened.. Now she is completely out of touch with my family... her anger triggers when i speak to my brother , my mom, Now over these years my brother also managed to earn some money and he paid me an amount as part of my share for the house he is living.. which we mutually agreed among us... and i withdrew my name from that property... i informed this to my wife.. first she didnt believe.. and then she was not interested in it.. so basically over these years i managed to fulfil everything what i promised also took my share from the joint house even i was not very happy with that situation. but all these incidences.. my wife became a difficult person to deal with... be it talking a simple conversation or smallest issue.. we don't have any physical relation .... we sleep in different bedrooms.. my wife also became too possessive and control freak with my daughter.. my daughter is 12 now and she retaliate with it.. so even they keep fighting now... me and my daughter have a great bonding... over these period i started feeling that i married a wrong person.. sometimes i think of divorce but i m worried about my daughter.. and also lot other things as im 45 already.. i wont say that i have never done any mistake while these 16 years but i never chose to disconnect with my wife... i worked really hard to earn money to build a good fortune for my wife and daughter... but looks like she doesn't care... and she takes me completely for granted... she thinks i wont leave her and will be stuck around.. i also advised to visit a therapist or counselor... or join a meditation or do anything she likes to do... be it creative or extra curricular.. but she just ignores it... i am into creative field and this domestic chaos sometimes really bothers me. it never effected my work yet but i m worried it might just. Let me know your opinion... if there is something i can do more to help this mess with my wife.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Clearly your wife has a streak of wanting people to want her, literally where it comes off as her being possessive of them (I gather this from what you have shared). I only have a one-sided view and don't know fully well why your wife chooses to be possessive.
She does not want to share you or what you earn with your family; it only suggests that she is worried about losing both. It may seem like they are unfounded fears but they exist in real for her.
Obviously your pleas to see a counselor will better her life and it is easier to stay where she is as nothing needs to change. It seems relatively clear that she fears LOSING!
How this got there or did it become even more evident because of the tussles between your family and her; no one knows. You would not completely know what transpired between your wife and your family; but something has triggered within her to hold on to her beliefs.
Anyway, it is difficult to be where you are; but the only way out is to have a person that is neutral to handle this. It could be a mutual friend, a senior member of her side of the family, a person that she idolizes...anyone who can in a very unbiased manner approach the situation and bring out the fears.
In the meantime, you can spend more time with your daughter and give her a sense of protection and care and at the same time ensuring that she empathizes with her mother. Matters like these can go sour overnight and YES, you have held on so long, give it some more time but do facilitate the neutral person to do an Intervention ASAP.

All the best!

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1683 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Anu Kindly refer to my earlier question and your answer. In july 2023, she came to my office and literally touched my feet and apologized to me for her wrongdoings, like talking to my wife and further character assassination. She told me that all people are lying to me. I forgave to her and thought that she is possessive and in her possessiveness, she took that step. From july 2023 till June, 2024, she continued to put various allegations on me that I have a affair with my office staff etc. I blocked her so many times in past one year, but she used to come to me through various persons. I told her many times that if she has any proof of my affair, show to me and i would explain to you. But she used to say sorry and reunite. In june, 2024, she again levelled allegation on me that I am having affair with my friends wife and again, she informed this to my wife that I am having affair with various women and she used to give me money and gave various household items to me. She also informed my wife about our personal things to my wife. In short, she tried to ruin my respect, my family. In wife became quite depressive on hearing these things. I totally blocked her from my phone and she is continuing to call my friends and assassinating my character. My friends know me quite well. When my wife tried to backfire on her, like contacting her relative on facebook, inquiring about her whereabouts, she suddenly took a U turn and said to my friend that I should stop my wife, else she would be thrown out of her house (she is a widow). I would never forgive her nor would return to her. I invested around 7 lakhs on building a house on collaboration with her and in her distress time, i used to take care of her and her house, like providing ration to her, giving her money to run household chores, paying her electricity bill etc. But i came to conclusion that she was just using me. If she would have really loved me, she couldt try to destroy me reputation and my family. But even after this, I never contacted her and tried to ruin her.
Ans: Dear Harish,
When you asked for help in your first question, it only meant you wanted to get out of this sticky situation. Now, I am happy that you were able to realize that she was using you. Hope you have decided to keep her at a distance from you and the family. When you started to dream of a parallel life with her and spend money to construct a home etc, you were again running away from your marriage and trying you luck elsewhere. Do try and give your marriage a fair chance and now that your wife knows most of it, do start on a clean state if that's what she wishes to as well. Thank you for sharing...

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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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10541 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2025

Career
My gmr rank in wbjee 26050 and ews rank is 1169. I have tfw also which rank is 5683 What is the best colleges for cse or it Please guide
Ans: Priya, Your WBJEE ranks present strong admission opportunities, particularly through EWS category with rank 1169 which significantly enhances your chances for Computer Science and Information Technology branches across multiple institutions. Government engineering colleges like Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College, Kalyani Government Engineering College, and Cooch Behar Government Engineering College remain accessible through EWS quota, with CSE cutoffs typically ranging from 1200-2500 for EWS category candidates. Your TFW rank of 5683 provides additional pathways to quality private institutions, as TFW cutoffs generally extend beyond 5000 for most colleges except highly competitive ones like IEM Kolkata and Heritage Institute of Technology. Private colleges demonstrate excellent admission prospects with your EWS rank, including Haldia Institute of Technology, Techno India University, and Asansol Engineering College, all offering CSE and IT programs within your rank range. The GMR rank of 26050, while limiting options at premium institutions, still provides access to numerous private engineering colleges through management quota and later counseling rounds, particularly for branches like ECE, EE, and ME where competition remains moderate compared to CSE.

Top 10 Colleges with Strong Admission Chances:
JIS College of Engineering, Narula Institute of Technology, RCC Institute of Information Technology, Durgapur Institute of Advanced Technology, Siliguri Institute of Technology, Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College via EWS, Asansol Engineering College, Techno India Salt Lake, Cooch Behar Government Engineering College via EWS, Haldia Institute of Technology via EWS.

Recommendation: Prioritize EWS category during counseling for maximum advantage, target government colleges first, then quality private institutions. Focus on CSE and IT branches through EWS quota while keeping ECE as backup option. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10541 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2025

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I am 61, healthy with NOILL AND NO PILL life style, a retired and well disciplined bachelor, no financial or family commitment residing in metro city in Tamilnadu for over 50 years. I have been offered a position in a social organisation at Arunchal Pradesh. (I am financially independant and No problem on compensation) I am comfortable with Hindi, apart from other language including internatinal language swahali. Valuing and considering the Pro-Con, I prefer to have an expert opinion before I go with firm decision. Veterans please guide me.
Ans: Visu Sir, Your profile presents an ideal candidate for meaningful social work in Arunachal Pradesh. At 61 with excellent health, financial independence, multilingual skills including Hindi, and decades of metro experience, you possess valuable assets for social sector contribution. Post-retirement engagement significantly enhances mental health, provides purpose, and maintains cognitive function through social interaction and community service. Arunachal Pradesh offers robust healthcare infrastructure for senior citizens, including cashless coverage up to Rs 5 lakh under CMAAY scheme and extensive public health facilities with 92% utilization rates.

Pros: Enhanced life purpose through meaningful impact on vulnerable communities; excellent physical and mental health benefits from active engagement; utilization of professional expertise in structured environment; strong state healthcare support systems for seniors; opportunity for personal growth in culturally diverse setting; reduced isolation and depression risks through community integration.

Cons: Challenging terrain with heavy rainfall (3500mm annually) and natural disaster risks including landslides and floods; potential healthcare access limitations in remote areas; significant climate adjustment from Tamil Nadu's tropical conditions; isolation from established social networks; infrastructure challenges in mountainous regions.

Recommendation: Accept this opportunity as social work provides proven health benefits, utilizes your skills meaningfully, and offers structured engagement essential for successful aging. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future & Healthy Life!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10541 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2025

Career
Sir My son taken BE-Chemical and leaving CSE of IIIT NR, is this wise decision? Please suggest
Ans: Sumit Sir, Evaluating your son's decision to leave IIIT Naya Raipur CSE for BE Chemical Engineering reveals significant career trajectory differences across market dynamics and placement outcomes. IIIT NR CSE demonstrates strong placement performance with 84.36% placement rates in 2024, average packages of Rs 18.90 LPA, and highest packages reaching Rs 82 LPA from leading tech companies including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. The CSE program benefits from booming technology sector demand, rapid career progression, and versatile skill applications across multiple industries. Conversely, Chemical Engineering shows varied placement success ranging from 54-89% across institutions, with average packages between Rs 7-12 LPA and slower career advancement cycles typical of traditional process industries. While Chemical Engineering offers opportunities in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and emerging green energy sectors, the job market remains significantly smaller with a 12:1 ratio favoring CSE openings.

Critical institutional excellence parameters reveal contrasting advantages: Academic Reputation favors IIIT NR's specialized technology focus versus general Chemical Engineering programs; Placement Performance strongly supports CSE's consistent 80%+ rates against Chemical Engineering's declining trends; Industry Integration shows CSE's dynamic tech ecosystem versus Chemical Engineering's mature but limited industrial base; Infrastructure Quality benefits IIIT NR's modern facilities designed for technology education; Alumni Network Strength demonstrates CSE's expanding tech industry connections versus Chemical Engineering's established but narrower professional networks.

Recommendation: Continuing with IIIT NR CSE represents the superior choice based on proven placement excellence, dynamic market demand, superior financial prospects, and versatile career pathways. The decision to switch carries substantial opportunity costs and career risks without proportional benefits. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10541 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 25, 2025Hindi
Career
IIIT Lucknow CSE Or NIT Allahabad CSE
Ans: Analyzing IIIT Lucknow and MNNIT Allahabad for Computer Science Engineering reveals distinct institutional strengths across critical performance parameters. IIIT Lucknow, established in 2015 under Public-Private Partnership, achieved 91% placement rates in 2024 with impressive average packages of Rs 29.85 LPA and median packages of Rs 25.67 LPA, attracting leading tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Flipkart. MNNIT Allahabad, a prestigious NIT established in 1961, maintains superior CSE placement rates of 96.75% with average packages of Rs 27.72 LPA, hosting 432 companies annually including Goldman Sachs and major tech giants. The institutions differ significantly in Academic Excellence with MNNIT's NIRF 60th engineering ranking versus IIIT Lucknow's unranked status, Placement Performance showing MNNIT's consistent 95%+ rates versus IIIT's recent 91%, Industry Integration favoring IIIT's specialized tech focus against MNNIT's diverse corporate connections, Infrastructure Quality highlighting MNNIT's expansive 222-acre campus versus IIIT's modern 50-acre facility, and Alumni Network Strength demonstrating MNNIT's six-decade professional relationships versus IIIT's emerging network.

Recommendation: Choose MNNIT Allahabad CSE for established brand recognition, superior placement consistency, extensive industry connections, and proven alumni network. IIIT Lucknow suits students prioritizing specialized technology focus and modern curriculum approaches over traditional institutional prestige. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10541 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10541 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 26, 2025

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