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Showing posts from 2017

Expectation: The Mother of All Frustration

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Anger, frustration, disappointment — we’ve all felt them. And that’s okay. These emotions are part of being human. But have you ever stopped to ask: What exactly am I frustrated with? If you go deeper — really deeper — you’ll find that more than the situations or people, it is your own expectations that let you down. We aren't truly frustrated by the traffic, the delay, the silence of a friend, or the job that didn’t go our way. We're frustrated by what we believed should have happened. Take something as simple as traffic. It happens daily. It’s predictable. Yet when we’re stuck in it, we fume. Why? Because in our minds, “This shouldn’t be happening to me today.” That one word — "should" — becomes the trigger. Let me illustrate: Suppose I suggest a book on relationships and say, “Give it a try. It may or may not help.” You read it, and it doesn’t help. You shrug and move on. Now imagine I say, “This book always works. It will change ev...

Let's learn to ignore selfish people just like the way we ignore 'Terms and Conditions' of any software

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There is a very fine line between self-care and selfishness — and most of us learn the difference only after being hurt. Selfishness is the art of placing one’s own interests above everyone else’s, without care, without pause, and without apology. Unfortunately, the world is full of such people — in the form of friends, colleagues, and sometimes even family. If you surround yourself with individuals who are chronically negative, self-absorbed, or emotionally unavailable , don’t be surprised when you find yourself mentally drained and emotionally hollow. Keeping a selfish friend is like investing in a dead stock — they will never give you returns, only regret. What makes it trickier is this: these individuals often wear the mask of charm . They appear kind, interesting, and agreeable — until it’s too late. So, based on over four decades of observing people, I want to share a few quiet warning signs. Learn to see them early — not bitterly, but wisely.  Watch their r...

The course of true love never did run smooth

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Much has been said — and romanticized — about love and the dream of a perfect relationship. We grow up with images of soulmates, grand proposals, eternal happiness, and storybook endings. But reality rarely follows a script. William Shakespeare said it plainly centuries ago: “The course of true love never did run smooth.” And yet, most of us walk into love — and into marriage — expecting otherwise. In 2015, over 48,000 divorces were granted in Australia. The divorce rate hovers at 45% , which means nearly half of all marriages do not last. That’s not just a statistic. That’s real people, real pain, and real silence around a truth we don’t want to accept: Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is sacred work. On my recent wedding anniversary, I shared a photo of my husband and me, smiling — full of warmth, like any “happy couple” post. The responses poured in: “Such a lovely couple!” “You’re so lucky to have each other.” “What’s the secret to a happy marriage?”...

Finding a perfect partner or making a perfect marriage with the partner you found?

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Twenty-five years ago, Vikram and I officially became a family. But if I count the years we’ve shared our hearts, it began thirty-five years ago. That’s more than half my lifetime. And still, I can say — with all my heart — that loving him was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. As I scroll through our photos, flip through old memories, and remember the music, the laughter, and the silences we’ve shared, I feel nothing but gratitude. Not for perfection — but for resilience. Not for a flawless partner — but for an imperfect, enduring love. This Isn’t About Us — It’s About What We’ve Learned On our recent anniversary, I posted a picture of us on Facebook — a simple moment, a small tribute. The comments came pouring in: “You’re lucky to have each other.” “Such a perfect couple!” “How do I find someone like that?” I’m touched by the love, but I must confess: The secret to a lasting marriage isn’t about finding the perfect person. It’s about creating somethin...