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Love Guru   |187 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 09, 2021

Love Guru has been answering relationship and romance related questions on Rediff.com for over 13 years. She won't mince words when telling you what the problem is and what you can do about it. If you want a fresh perspective from an unbiased, objective-thinking individual about your relationship woes, Love Guru could just be the person you need to need to hear from.... more
rajesh Question by rajesh on Nov 09, 2021Hindi
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Relationship

Dear Love Guru,
I have a crush on my brother’s girlfriend.
I am 24.
My brother has broken up with her.
They were seeing each other for two years.
My brother is looking to get married.
His girlfriend was upset that he broke it off, but she was of a different caste and my brother is dutiful and won’t go against my parents’ wishes.
He is looking for a Brahmin girl.
His former girlfriend became friendly with me.
She is a very sweet girl.
One year older than me.
I think I love her.
She is very senti about me.
Will it be incorrect to start dating her?
I don’t care about caste and my parents’ wishes.
Rajesh

Ans:

Dear Rajesh,

Your 'dutiful' brother should not have dated her for two years if he knew the relationship had no hope.

That said, I think this is a messy situation and it would be best if you really think this through before making any hasty decision that you come to regret. What you think is love may well be an infatuation, and you don't even know if she feels the same way about you.

Moreover, it will massively complicate your relationship with your brother and your family.

I don't care about the caste thing either -- it's a ridiculously bigoted outlook toward life. But I mean complicated because of the dynamics of your interpersonal relationships with them.

How well do you even know this girl that you're willing to give up your whole family for her?

Plus she may have lingering feelings for your brother, which would add to the complexities of the matter.

 

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Anu

Anu Krishna  |839 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Relationship
Hi Anu, I am in a relationship with a girl from my office for nearly 1.5 years now. We both speak Marathi only sub caste is different.At start of our relationship we discussed about it as she tells me her parents will not support her, so I convinced her that I will support her in every way possible to convince her parent and will stand with her though every situation. I am 31 years old and she is 27. Her parents told her that she has 2 years for marriage so she is currently focusing on career right now.My parents are forcing me for marriage. As her family has issues with my subcaste and she is not willing to disclose our relationship for another 2 years. So I told her that I will wait for 1 year then we can disclose our relationship to both families mines and her, if your family agrees we can wait for one more year so that she can focus on career and she can get 2 years as per her parents. Moreover I will always support her in career and family issues. But still she is not ready she told me that she will not tell her family about our relationship until 2 years are complete. Can you please suggest me any solution for this?
Ans:

Dear TG,

At this point, what is missing for you possibly is if after the wait, if she will still be there in the relationship?

If she isn’t willing to complicate her family life at this point in time, I guess she has valid reasons for that which must be respected.

But what If the two of you sit down where you can put down your feelings and find an amicable way of easing this.

I am sure there are a lot of ifs and buts that is making you feel the way that you are. It is only imperative that you called out to her and be firm and assertive as to how this might be playing in your mind.

For all you know, once she hears your side of the story and she shares hers, solutions emerge from that especially when the commitment is strong.

So, have that one meaningful conversation where feelings, fears and insecurities are shared and watch how the two of you will come up with something wonderful as a solution.

All the best!

..Read more

Love Guru

Love Guru   |187 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 13, 2022

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Relationship
Dear Love Guru, I’m in my early twenties. I’ve had some nice relationships over the years that had their own timespan. But this girl I am seeing now is something else. We’ve been seeing each other for over a year and it’s the longest I’ve been in a relationship. She’s really special. She is crazy, unconventional, smart. People think she is rude; I think she says it as it is. She’s not a great believer in family relationships. In my family, that is very important. We are not talking marriage or anything like that, we are too young for that. But I want to introduce her to my family. And I want to be introduced to hers. I want each other to part of family events. She’s not in favour of the idea. What do you think? And what if we go ahead and she really brushes my family the wrong way -- ie they misunderstand her? What if her family thinks I am not the right guy? Aarav
Ans:

Dear Aarav,

Your girlfriend may well be a good match for you and I’m happy you’re so taken with her, but I do think there are a few red flags here that you shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss.

First off -- whatever must be said to someone can be said nicely. There’s no need to rub people the wrong way with what you have to say.

Telling it like it is may be one thing but if most folks find her rude, then yes, she probably is rude.

It’s not nice to hurt someone’s feelings. You can be smart and unconventional and still polite.

Second, about the family angle. Maybe she doesn’t want to get overfamiliar with your relatives before things are official between the two of you.

You said yourself that you’re too young for marriage, and she probably doesn’t want pressure from all quarters, which can well be the norm in our society.

But why doesn’t she believe in family relationships?

If you’re more a family-oriented person and she’s more a loner who prefers things remaining between the two of you, that is another potential problem in future.

Work this out with her and do it sooner rather than later.

As the sheen wears off new romances, the seemingly smaller issues can take on magnified proportions.

 

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |839 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2023Hindi
Relationship
Hello Anu, I hope you are doing well. I am going through a very strange problem in my life. Anu, I am 39 years old male and unmarried. I lost my father in Jan 2021 and currently live with my mother. Since I was always skeptical about marriage, I never married till this age and this got my parents worried. However, after my dad passed away and upon a constant pressure from my mother as well, I realized I should give up my stubbornness and should get married and settle down in life. I am a proud straight guy but surprisingly I never had the courage to talk to girl and make a girlfriend as well. Infact, I never ever had a physical relation as well with any female so far in my life. Because of these things, I refrained from getting married. In April 2022, a girl from jeevansathi (Miss J) approached me and we had a family meeting. In those days, I was in discussion with one more girl(Miss H). But this girl from jeevansathi really caught my eye. When I had a discussion with my mother as to which one to finally go for, Miss J or Miss H, she insisted on Miss H as she was working and wanted to work after marriage as well. Miss H, who I met earlier was more career-oriented, practical towards life and wanted to work after marriage as well. Miss J, on the other hand was pursuing a course in astrology, was more conservative, and was in fact physically also more appealing than Miss H. Miss J only had 2 conditions, she wanted no pressure in terms of asking her to work after marriage and wanted to have a low-budget marriage in a temple. I agreed to these. My Mom said that since Miss H is working and will bring in money, you should keep her as your first preference. We met Miss H in March 2022. However, we were yet to hear from them in terms of proceeding further with the matrimony. This is where it all went wrong. Miss J's parents approached us very soon after the family meeting and wanted to come to our home. But since we had Miss H as our first preference, we made an excuse that we need some time to think and decide. But believe me Anu, I gradually developed a special liking for Miss J as our tastes and habits matched quite a lot and her physical appearance also appealed to me. Since we were not hearing from Miss H, my mother called her family and asked when they would like to visit us, but they told that Miss H thinks that your boy needs a homemaker which will not suite her. We then discussed to finally approach Miss J, inspite of her asking for becoming a homemaker, as I got interested in her. On 24 April 2022, my mother called Miss J and asked her family to visit our home. She told that she would convey this message to her mother. But till evening, we did not received any call back. We tried back her number but it was not connecting. I suspected she blocked us. Curiously, I also checked her jeevansathi ID, and shockingly, she blocked my ID as well. Since I was deeply interested in marrying her, I went to meet her brother in his office but I didn't told him that his sister has blocked my Jeevansathi ID and phone number. He talked very humbly to me and told him that I agree to all the conditions and would like to go ahead. He said that he will discuss the same when he will go home today. In evening, I got the message that they will connect with us after June 2022 once her exams get over. It sounded strange to me as a family meeting can still happen as exams are still good 2 months away. But I acknowledged his response positively, wished Miss J all the best in preparation and started waiting patiently for the 2 months to get over. These developments happened on 27th april 2022. 28th april 2022 passed nicely. Now, the bomb explodes. On 29th April 2022, Miss J called my mom and started talking very furiously and rudely, complaining about my visit to his brother despite of her blocking us and also told my mom that we are liars and we are actually looking for a working girl. The whole episode came to a very bitter and abrupt end and I was really shocked with her behavior. I then tried contacting her brother too but he didn't replied. But I did send a whatsapp message making him aware about his sister's unruly behaviour towards my mom. But no response was received. But Anu, It's been 9 months and I can't really forget her. I checked her jeevansathi account but it is now coming as deleted from the site, which most probably means that she must have got married by now. Anu, you will not believe, I surrendered myself completely to her both mentally and physically (it is hard for a male to surrender physically to one women Anu) and vowed that she will be the first and the last women of my life. I believe I loved her soul more than her body and she could have been the perfect life partner for me. This was the first time Anu, you will not believe, I developed a very positive attitude towards the institution of marriage and wanted to really give everything into the relationship for a prosperous life ahead. Anu, I feel pretty depressed with this foolish act of mine and my mother of not inviting her parents else the story could have been very different. I am just finding it hard to live with this lifelong regret of not marrying her. Also, since I am 39 now, I am hardly getting any offers for marriage and whatever girls I have met after Miss J, are genuinely no where near her. My mom loves me a lot and can't see me in this situation. Although I am trying hard to live with this regret, somewhere I still feel very much attached with Miss J. Anu, sometimes, I cry silently and pray to Krishna and Radhey maa to help me live atleast till my mother is alive. Anu, this regret is gradually deteriorating me and I am now deciding to remain single through out my life. I feel even if I marry someone, It will be my body which will marry but my soul will not. That's why I don't want to destroy someone's else life as I have no right to do so. Awaiting your valuable thoughts. Hare Krishna !!
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Let's split the issue at hand here distinctively into two areas.
1. Confusion as to what you want in a partner in marriage
2. Misplaced emotions stemming from a decision not made by you

First, make sure you know what you are looking for in a partner. Your post/email suggests to me that you haven't been able to figure out Miss J and Miss H, working or not-working...Both the ladies has mentioned this to you separately which means they have spotted the confusion as well.

This is bound to push a woman away as she would want her life partner to be sure of what he wants in a marriage. Being on a marriage portal, make sure your profile reflects what you want and that is indeed what you want. You cannot go back and confuse yourself and the person who shows interest in you.
So, first take time off to go back to the drawing board and list down what you want in your life partner.
Next, in arranged marriages, the families involvement is going to be heavier right from the first go. So make sure that the core value systems of both families are similar before choosing to proceed with an alliance. Social media matches are not the truth; there is no fairy tale stories of 'happily ever after'. So clarity first and if you need to rework the profile on the matrimonial site, then please do so.

Now, how on earth did you place so much on time and emotion on a woman that you possibly met once? Did she promise to marry you? Isn't it your own doing of actually letting your heart loose and having feelings for someone who under no circumstances made any commitment to you? So, now letting yourself believe that it's not possible to find anyone else, is something that you are fooling yourself with. Pick yourself up NOW. There's a world out there and am sure there's someone out there for you as well.

Pursue this time with clarity and with that you will understand when the matters of the heart can come to knock. So, you are not destroying anyone else's life but you are certainly destroying your peace of mind over this. Time to dust it off...

All the best!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Archana

Archana Deshpande  |27 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir/Ma'am I'm facing problems regarding money and career related. However I'm working I'm earning but I not able set a goal, and day by day I'm becoming older, family responsibilities can't be handled because of salary issues. What to do, when I was in 12th standard my sister advised me to choose engineering line, she gave me wrong advise now I'm suffering and she is also working earning well n good she is getting high package but I'm. I think my problem is I'm not able to set a goal. Please suggest me, guide me.
Ans: Hi!!

Can I begin by saying, "stop blaming anyone for your circumstances". Your sister advised you for your own good. Engineering is a good degree to have. If you are not happy with doing technical work then see if you can add an MBA or some other skills to increase your chances of earning more. Life is all about taking decisions on a minute to minute basis. Take the right decisions now, let's leave the past behind, thinking about it has no meaning now.
... will you promise me not to indulge in the three c's- don't COMPLAIN, CRITICIZE and CONDEMN!!
Let's look forward now ...
I always believe in putting everything that overwhelms me on paper... then it starts looking doable and simpler!
So that's your first task, put everything on paper( make a goal book, write everything in it), your desires, your dreams, your goals and a everyday to-do list.
The goals should be in every aspect of your life....
1. Financial Goal
2. Career Goal- what other skills do you need to earn the money you need and move ahead in your career
3. Relationships Goal, the quality of your life is based on the quality of your relationships
4. The goal of your physical and mental well being, if you are mentally and physically fit then you can live life well
5. How to be happy without any reason, that's your primary goal.... what are the ways in which I can have fun where money is not involved- looking at the sun, spending time in nature, listening to the birds singing, playing with small children( they just want you, not your money), helping someone in need, sipping coffee peacefully, make a list of all these and try doing at least two of them every day

I don't know how good is your relationship with your sister, you say she is doing well, can you ask for her help without blaming? Ask for help and learn from her. I am sure blood is always thicker and she will help you.

Life is never a straight line, there will always an up and a down!

Keep up your spirits, everyday is a new day, don't blame yourself, don't blame others. be kind to yourself and kind to others.

Everyday take one step towards your goals, move forward... and as regards to ageing, believe me age is just a number, you are as young as you think!!

Here's wishing you a happy, healthy , wealthy life ahead!!

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1372 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Money
Sir,Iam retiring this month I want to invest one core, so that I can getdecent return and also consider inflation.
Ans: As you prepare for retirement, it's crucial to invest your corpus wisely to ensure a steady income and protect against inflation. Here are some considerations and recommendations:

Risk Profile: Assess your risk tolerance and investment objectives. Since you're retiring, you may prefer a more conservative approach with lower-risk investments that offer stability and income.
Asset Allocation: Consider a diversified portfolio comprising a mix of asset classes such as equities, bonds, and fixed-income instruments. Allocate a portion of your corpus to equities for growth potential and the remainder to fixed-income securities for stability and income.
Fixed-Income Options: Explore fixed-income instruments such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and fixed deposits. These provide regular interest income and are relatively safer than equities. Consider laddering your fixed-income investments to manage interest rate risk.
Inflation Protection: To protect against inflation, consider inflation-linked bonds or mutual funds that invest in inflation-protected securities. These investments adjust their returns based on changes in inflation rates, helping to preserve purchasing power over time.
Dividend-Paying Stocks: Dividend-paying stocks of established companies can provide a steady income stream in retirement. Look for companies with a history of consistent dividends and strong fundamentals.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Instead of investing a lump sum, consider setting up an SWP from your investment portfolio. This allows you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically, providing a regular income stream while keeping your capital invested.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Given the importance of your retirement funds, consider consulting with a certified financial planner or investment advisor. They can assess your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance, and recommend a tailored investment strategy to meet your needs.
Regular Review: Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals and financial needs. Rebalance your portfolio as necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk profile.
By carefully considering these factors and seeking professional advice, you can make informed investment decisions to secure a comfortable retirement and protect against inflation.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1372 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Money
I started sip with 500 per month 6 years ago and now I have been investigating 1,20,000per month and do have plan to increase this to 2lac per month (including me and my wife's portfolio) I do invest in direct stocks as well. What would be the advise for me , is it wise decision to invest 2lac per month in mutual funds (70%equity) ? My Target is to build 5 crore by 2030.
Ans: It's commendable that you've been consistently investing and increasing your SIP amount over the years. Here are some considerations and advice:

Diversification: Investing in mutual funds alongside direct stocks provides diversification, which can help mitigate risk. Given your target of building a substantial corpus by 2030, diversification is crucial for long-term wealth creation.
Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance carefully, especially since you mention investing 70% in equity. Equity investments can offer higher returns over the long term but come with greater volatility. Ensure that your risk appetite aligns with your investment strategy.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Financial Planning: Consider consulting with a certified financial planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. A professional can provide personalized advice and help optimize your investment strategy.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial setbacks. This can provide peace of mind and prevent the need to dip into your investment portfolio during times of need.
Tax Planning: Keep tax implications in mind, especially as your investment amount increases. Explore tax-efficient investment options and strategies to optimize your returns and minimize tax liabilities.
Stay Informed: Stay updated on market trends, economic developments, and changes in investment regulations. Continuous learning and staying informed can help you make informed investment decisions.
Ultimately, investing 2 lakh per month in mutual funds can be a wise decision if it aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy. Just ensure you have a well-thought-out plan in place and continue to monitor and adjust your investments as needed.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1372 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Money
Dear Sir, I am a 31 year old married man.I am in a huge debt trap of multiple loans plus credit card mounting around 9 lakhs. I work in MNC company earning 70k per month. Please advise or suggest if I can come out of this.
Ans: I understand your concern about being in a debt trap, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and work towards financial stability:

Assess Your Debt: Start by listing out all your debts, including the outstanding amounts, interest rates, and minimum monthly payments. This will give you a clear picture of your financial situation.
Create a Budget: Develop a detailed budget that outlines your monthly income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back on spending to free up more money to put towards debt repayment.
Prioritize Debt Repayment: Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, such as credit card debt. Consider using the debt avalanche or debt snowball method to systematically tackle your debts.
Negotiate with Creditors: Reach out to your creditors to discuss repayment options. They may be willing to negotiate lower interest rates, waive fees, or offer a repayment plan that fits your budget.
Explore Debt Consolidation: Consolidating your debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate can make it easier to manage and potentially reduce your overall interest costs. However, be cautious and carefully evaluate the terms and fees associated with any consolidation offer.
Increase Your Income: Look for opportunities to increase your income, such as taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or seeking a higher-paying position within your company.
Seek Professional Help: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a financial counselor or debt relief agency. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.
Avoid Taking on New Debt: While you're working to pay off your existing debt, avoid taking on any new debt if possible. Stick to your budget and focus on living within your means.
It may take time and discipline, but with a solid plan and commitment to debt repayment, you can overcome your debt challenges and regain control of your finances. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1372 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Money
Hi, I am 27 years old and and employees earning around 28k. I would like to create a corpse of approx 1 cr. Also I want to 30 lakhs save my parents for retirement. What should I do please advice?
Ans: To achieve your financial goals of building a corpus of 1 crore for yourself and saving 30 lakhs for your parents' retirement, here's a suggested plan:

Start Early and Save Consistently: Given your age, starting early and saving consistently will work in your favor. Allocate a portion of your income towards savings and investments each month.
Emergency Fund: Begin by building an emergency fund equivalent to at least 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. This fund will provide financial security in case of unexpected expenses or loss of income.
Investment in Mutual Funds: Consider investing in mutual funds through SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). Choose a mix of equity and debt mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals.
Equity Mutual Funds for Long-Term Growth: Allocate a significant portion of your investment towards equity mutual funds, which have the potential to deliver higher returns over the long term. Since you have a long investment horizon, you can afford to take higher risks for potentially higher rewards.
Debt Mutual Funds for Stability: Allocate a portion of your investment towards debt mutual funds for stability and capital preservation. Debt funds can provide steady returns while minimizing the overall portfolio risk.
Retirement Planning for Parents: For your parents' retirement savings, consider investing in a mix of fixed income instruments such as Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), and debt mutual funds. These options provide regular income with capital protection.
Regular Review and Adjustments: Regularly review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial situation, market conditions, and investment goals.
Consult with a Financial Advisor: It's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner or investment advisor who can assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment options, and provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
By following these steps and investing wisely, you can work towards achieving your financial goals and securing a comfortable future for yourself and your parents.

...Read more

Archana

Archana Deshpande  |27 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Career
Hello Archana, hope you’re doing well. My name is Sundeep Prakash with 10 years of experience into Software development in Bangalore, I would like to understand how could improve my visibility with my Org level. Any to-do list to follow. Kindly advise. Thanks
Ans: Hello Sundeep!
Yes I am doing well and hope the same for you!!

I would love to help you on this.
Here's the to do list for you to increase your visibility in your organisation-
1. always dress up for the next level. Always wear ironed clothes. A collared shirt, formal trousers, polished shoes. Your socks need to match your trousers. A neat formal belt. Belt and shoes to match . Look the part
2. hone your communication skills. Communicate in a concise and precise manner, with the right tonality. Be an assertive communicator
3. develop leadership qualities
4. build on the three C's - Confidence, Capability and Credibility
5. be an enthusiastic team player
6. develop public speaking skills, just look at all the leaders, they all speak so well, it is a learnable skill
7. grab the opportunities that come your way and prove that you are ready for the next level
8. don't participate in office gossip
9. help your juniors, every leader does this. The benefits of this are immense, you become better when you teach, you develop leadership skills, you create positivity in the office, you develop communication skills and you become popular
10. work hard, work smart

I don't want to overwhelm you with more, just do these 10 pointers and see the difference it'll make to your image in the office.

And above all believe in yourself, you have 10 yrs of experience and believe that you are ready to scale upwards now!

At the end of the day...be happy and spread happiness too!!

All the very best and more power to you!!

...Read more

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