| 1 | 
Frequent fights |
We fight/quarrel which spoils our day. What can we do?:
1. Body language: Remember in marital fights, a win in argument is generally a loss in relationship. So choose to win
relationship at all times as fights are temporary but relationship should go a long way. When having an argument,
maintain non-intimidating eye contact, listen, take a deep breath and give a break. Revisit the topic after a few
hours/days if possible. You will be surprised how time takes care of many arguments. Also, walking away at the first
sign of an ensuing fight often helps. Be generous in relationships by giving love, time & gifts. For surprises... Click here
2. My way or no way: Many arguments start because a partner is hung on to his/her own suggestion or viewpoint.
Approach a solution without any personal bias. Important factor is to resolve a point 'together' keeping egos aside.
Trying to prove your partner wrong or saying 'I told you so' doesn't help. When respect develops in marriage, acceptance
comes. If not talking to each other, 'you' take the initiative to just go and hug him/her to break the ice.
3. Don't build a volcano: Do not let sensitive issues or negative emotions build up inside you. Its just a matter of time
when you will explode emotionally and end up having a big fight. Instead, share your feeling/thought with your partner
sooner than a spark becomes a fire. Try discussing an argumentative topic at a public location like a walk in a garden,
mall, restaurant or market where hopefully neither partner will scream at each other.
4. Change yourself: Forget changing your partner's attitude drastically as both are grown up adults and would show
resistance to major change. Instead, change yourself and set an example of how a situation can be diffused. Saying
'I am sorry' helps diffuse a situation. Learn to accept your spouse as he/she is. Avoid discussing your fights with your
parents or relatives as they may develop a biased attitude towards your spouse which is difficult to transform later. Keep
this within yourself and try to resolve it mutually as much as possible.
5. Worrying: Its ok to have a few minor fights and most married couples have one every now and then. So don't worry
thinking that your relationship is going downhill. In fact, a short reasonable fight/disagreement may help you discover
more attributes about your partner and bring both of you even more closer. Having said that, avoid fighting in front of
children and never ask them to take sides or who is right. Teenage children would rarely take sides and do not gain
anything from parental fights. If you feel lonely or emotionally disconnected, see point 6 below. |
| 2 | 
Managing in-laws |
Managing in-laws:
1. Difficult mother/daughter in-law: After marriage, 2 women usually become possessive about 1 man and that
sometimes leads to conflicting situations. Mother-in-law (MIL) should be less possessive about her son and
accept that he will now share most of his time with the new woman in his life. Daughter-in-law (DIL) should try
building a cordial relationship with her and accept that after all, her husband is there because of her MIL. During
points of disagreement with MIL, DIL should convey why she is taking a different decision by giving logical, objective
reasoning. If disagreement persists, ask for an opinion from her husband. As head of the family, husband should
objectively analyze the problem and resolve the situation. Stand firm on taking the 'right' step without being egoistic.
2. Job Issue: Some in-laws force their newly wedded daughter-in-law to stop working and ask her to just manage the
household chores against her wish. Working after marriage should ideally be discussed before marriage and
expectation set accordingly. If the issue comes up after marriage, discuss with your husband and go firmly with what
both of you mutually decide.
3. Connect with in-laws: Biggest mistake some newly wedded couples make after marriage is not talking much with
their respective parent in-laws. Know that your spouse’s parents are an integral part of his/her life. Respecting them
is respecting him/her regardless of how their attitude is. As said blood is thicker than water, your spouse will usually
tend to take sides of parents due to self respect. So accept them unconditionally as you accept your own parents.
The more you show concern and respect for them, more your spouse will follow your example and reciprocate to your
parents. If staying in a joint family, spend some quality time with them and discuss topics of mutual interest. If staying
away from them, give them a phone call at least once a week. Enquire about their well being, share updates and ask
their opinion on some issues. Try to solve mutual disagreements without involving spouse as far as possible.
4. Surprise: If you are facing difficulty building relationships with the in-laws, try surprising by giving them a surprise visit,
a small gift or wishing them genuinely on festivals/birthdays etc. Take care of your parents- financially and emotionally-
as they grow older.
5. Extreme situation: If for various reasons, its getting difficult to stay with the in-laws, talk to your husband who should
take the initiative to help resolve the situation amicably. Do evaluate the pros and cons before deciding to separate from
a joint family setup. Sometimes, giving a break of a few days or maintaining distance helps diffuse a problem. Move out
as a last step if you feel that will help the family in the long run. |
| 3 | 
Mood swings / Tantrums |
Behavioral issues- Mood swings/Egoistic/Negative mindset/Irritating tantrums:
1. Its not about the other person: It is not so much about what your spouse does... but how 'you' take it and
choose to react to different situations. Ask your spouse- experiencing mood swing - if (s)he is facing any problem
Listen well and take appropriate remedial action if you can. Sometimes just asking the spouse to share their
feelings or even giving them some space helps. Hug your spouse and commit to be there if (s)he needs any help.
A positive emotion is always stronger than a negative one... Happiness, humour and love help solve such problems.
2. Understanding man/woman differences: Men & women think and act differently. Eg: Men like to watch sporting
events more than women. Men like to be 'respected' while women like to be cared for and loved. Men ponder about
their problems in isolation while women tend to share them with others quickly. Its important to 'understand' your
partner's likes/expectations and not expect them to change drastically. Key is to accept and 'plan' your day
accommodating their preferences. Eg: Asking a husband to go shopping when he wants to watch a sporting event
on TV or expecting your wife to join you for a walk when her favorite soap opera is on TV may trigger mood
swings/tantrums.
3. Accept the reality: Your partner is a mixed bag of attributes... most of which you like but some you don't. The ones
you don't like usually surface after marriage but expecting your partner to be perfect will only make you restless.
So accept this reality of life. Divert your mind by cultivating hobbies. Exercise, meditation, yoga, diet, spa massage etc
help control mood swings including ones related to female menopause or pregnancy.
4. Close friends/relatives: Have at least couple of very close friends or relatives whom you can call even at 3 am in the
night in case of an emergency. Spend time with them. Socializing helps control mood swings. So dine out or catch up
over cup of tea/coffee for a nice chit chat. For nice fun place options with friends... Click here
5. Manage house tasks: Household work pressures contribute a lot towards mood swings. Criticising/badmouthing your
partner in front of others or behind his back does not help. Key is to mutually divide household/financial/job
responsibilities and praising your partner for things that are done. Gently remind your partner- at the right time- for
missed tasks. Words of appreciation and mutual cooperation gets more tasks done versus any loud shouts/criticism.
Change your attitude and think positive! If you feel lonely or emotionally disconnected, see point 6 below. |
| 4 | 
Managing initial years of marriage |
Proactive- What steps can be taken to avoid marital problems just before/after marriage?:
1. Understand job roles: Don't assume that even after marriage, the other partner will continue working and earn
money. Do have a friendly conversation 'before' marriage and decide whether your spouse would continue
working or not. If there will be a break in career, agree on the approx duration of break. This would save many
hard conversations later on.
2. First experience guideline: Each partner should try to ensure that most 'first experiences after marriage' are
unforgettable. First dinner/movie after marriage, first pregnancy, first surprise etc. No excuses for being busy at work
and missing those 'first' experiences as these help solidify the relationship during critical first few years of marriage.
Laughter, humour, generosity, forgiveness and goodwill are positive emotions that will help tide over every difficulty.
3. Manage household finances: Bad money management is a leading cause of arguments among couples. Be honest
and maintain a lifestyle that correlates to your current financial situation. Mutually decide and volunteer what household
responsibilities each partner can take up, who will pay and who will cut the monthly bill cheques. After marriage, its
always prudent to decide a monthly budget for household expenses and keep that aside as a fixed monthly amount.
Let one partner manage household expenses. For any non recurring household expenses like vacations, electronic
gadgets etc... plan and mutually decide how and when would the funds be allocated. If you are making any major
expense and have limited resources, taking your spouse into confidence before making that expense helps.
4. Invest in relationships: Respecting each other is key to long lasting relationships. Make sure that in no way an
argument becomes so ugly as to destroy the other’s self esteem. Remember actions are forgiven but words
once said linger on. So watch what you speak and maintain dignity of spouse at all times. The relationship circle
of both partners gets bigger when they get married. Do not ignore relatives on your partner's side or give undue
preference only to relationships on your side. Both spouses should discuss how much time they want to spend
with their respective in-laws.
5. Long lasting fun: Honeymoon and marriage hangover lasts only for a few months. Its important to build a long
lasting, compatible relationship by spending time together, continue to have fun even though sexual frequency
may relatively lessen over time but trust each other by accepting each others likes/dislikes. Having self and
family goals helps. Accept their will be differences of opinion or days when your partner makes you unhappy
because of whatever reasons... but hey, that happens in every relationship. No knee jerk reaction... calm down
and talk it out. Also refer to other problems in this section to further solidify the bridges of relationship. |
| 5 | 
Sex frequency and expectation mismatch |
Not enough sex- What is normal sex frequency? Don't feel like having sex for weeks now?:
1. Frequency/Mood/Mindset: Frequency varies a lot depending upon number of factors. Not counting exception cases,
most settled couples have sex 3 to 6 times a week during first few years of marriage, which gradually reduces
to 3 to 6 times a month by around 10 years of marriage. There is no one right answer. Remember, don't count! Quality
of sex is more important than quantity. Sex usually should be for 15 to 30 minutes or longer with emphasis on foreplay.
Your emotional state of mind & feelings dictate your desire for sex. How your day/week was gets into your bedroom.
Take steps to address stress, depression, job problems or quarreling issues as they hinder the desire for sex.
2. Understand partner's sexual preferences: Both partners should talk/ask each others' sexual preferences and
not thrust their sexual desires on each other. Do not 'deny' your spouse's advancements all the time. Reciprocate
your spouse's feeling most of the times if not every time. Even if sex declines, touch, caresses, kisses and hugs
should not. Do try to 'enjoy' sex instead of 'going through the motions'. Also accept that no sex for many days/weeks
is ok if your partner so desires and does not put your relationship in jeopardy. If prolonged, talk to your partner about
potential reasons for not having sex.
3. Physical factors: During dating times, most put their best foot forward before marriage but some let themselves
loose after marriage. Looks matter... do spend some time on grooming your persona. Gaining too much weight
reduces sexual desire of the opposite partner. Women should strive hard to take care of her appearance and
also accept declining testosterone levels of a man as age advances. Men should address physical factors- if any-
like low testosterone/erectile dysfunction by talking to a doctor and be sensitive to a woman's monthly cycles.
Any problem must be discussed and addressed in a friendly way without triggering any major argument.
4. Distractions: Switch off distracting endless TV programs or social networking urges around bedtime. Create the right
ambiance in the room based on mutual preferences like putting on light, soft music etc. After dinner, look honestly into
his/her eyes, hold hands, go for a walk together, smile often to show you enjoy his/her company. No sex because
children insist on sleeping with parents is ok as an exception... but as a norm, be firm and politely ensure children
sleep in their own room.
5. Pornography: Partner who sees lot of pornography usually indulges in unrealistic fantasies, gradually loses interest
in his/her partner and that negatively impacts the couple's real sexual life. Talk and find out why the partner is
focusing on seeking virtual pleasures. Also, a relationship is not just about sex but also a lot about emotional
connection. If you feel lonely or emotionally disconnected, see point 6 on this page. |
| 6 | 
Lonely / Emotional disconnect |
My spouse doesn't love me any more, is mostly with friends every other day and ignores me after marriage:
1. Ask yourself: Try seeing yourself from your spouse's side. Are YOU now overweight or criticizing/nagging/not respecting
your spouse lately or not giving enough space or not fulfilling your spouse's sexual needs or not recognizing any of his/
her personal issue? Usually such causes create a distance between spouses. Develop self love and self respect by
introspection. Do activities that build your self esteem and have a healthy circle of friends to pass your time. Be happy
with self and that will draw his energy and attention to you.
2. Trigger some changes: Sometimes, a monotonous life usually sets a boring tone even in the best of relationships. So
trigger some changes... make some new/lovely dishes that your spouse may enjoy, change home paint/furniture
setting a bit, change monotonous routine, take a vacation etc. and address any issue mentioned above in point 1.
If your spouse still does not reciprocate, leave him/her for a few days by staying at a friend/relative's place. Hopefully
your spouse will get the message and change.
3. Partner expectations: Bottomline is that a woman usually wants a feeling of being 'cared/loved/wanted' while a man
expects 'respect'. A woman wants to hear the 3 magical words 'I love you' every few days while a man expresses his
affection more by his 'caring actions' after marriage. Both spouses expect that the other one takes steps to remain
physically fit and appreciate each other sometimes. Most spouses are not even aware of the top 3 expectations of
their partner. Just talking and being aware of your partner's expectations usually yields wonders. So have a conversation
with your spouse sooner than later.
4. Time together: Talking and listening to each other- with undivided attention- helps solidify bridges of relationship. If you
are not spending quality time together because of household chores or busy schedules, YOU plan ahead in time. Walk,
movie, dinner etc so that just the two of you get together. You deserve to have fun... life is good if you make it that way!
5. Don't reach a quick conclusion: Don't assume quickly that your spouse doesn't love you. Hope you are not judging your
spouse's love just on the basis of sex but also taking into account his 'feelings' and emotional bonding towards you.
You can never force anyone to love you... go through the points listed on this page and explore building a mutual, fun
relationship together. |
| 7 | 
Extramarital affair |
Extra Marital Affair or Suspecting nature of one spouse:
1. Signs of extra-marital affair:
a) Spouse suddenly focuses a lot on new clothes and physical appearance- especially when (s)he goes out alone
to meet someone.
b) Starts spending lot more time on social networking and refuses to share password.
c) Has long phone conversations at home in a low/hushed tone in privacy and hangs up quickly when you approach.
d) Suddenly starts carrying condoms/birth control pills.
e) Has scratch/love marks on body and cannot credibly explain how those came.
If you have doubt, talk to your spouse. If your spouse is one who suspects you, then try talking him/her out of fears.
Be genuine/honest and try your best to convince him/her about your loyalty and commitment. Never talk about other
girls/past affairs with spouse even in jest. Do not engage a detective agency to probe or insist on getting into your
spouse's personal space to check their mobile/bag etc for evidence as that usually creates a huge rift and breach of
trust if they come to know about it.
2. Biggest cause of affairs: Not spending quality time with your spouse is one of the biggest causes of infidelity and may
lead him/her to venture out. Long conversations/calls you had during dating time are not sustainable when you are
living together after marriage. Don't have time? Well, same 24 hours are available to every person on planet earth.
Its upto YOU to plan your day well, cut down a bit on TV and spend quality time with your partner & family. Another
big factor is not understanding your partner's sexual preferences (see point 5 above).
3. Physical attraction: Sometimes, a spouse takes his/her partner for granted after marriage. Remember, you married
someone whom you liked physically apart from other factors. In most cases, 'letting yourself go' and becoming too
overweight is bound to have a negative effect on your marital relationship. So even though subtle aging signs are
expected, each spouse must respect his/her body. Exercise, take serious efforts to stay fit and avoid becoming fat.
4. After knowing about an affair: First, yes its tough to deal if you find out that your spouse is having an affair but its not
the end of the world for you. Ask few specific questions to your spouse without going into explicit details or being
physically abusive. Try not seeking too much information that may get you into depression. Finally YOU decide on the
next steps and set clear expectations for future with your spouse.
5. Do not loose hope: An affair does not mean an end of marital relationship. Try sorting the issues out especially if you
have children as a divorce usually has a negative effect on their mindset. Don't think that the relationship is at a point
of no return. If you feel lonely or emotionally disconnected, see point 6 above. |
| 8 | 
Number of children decision |
Decision on how many kids to have:
1. No Kids Scenario: Some DINK (Double Income No Kids) and other couples opt for this option.
Advantages: Couple can focus 100% of their time on each other, job and socialize more.
Disadvantages: Some couples who initially decide not to have kids... end up regretting in latter years of marriage as
they feel lonely without any affectionate warmth of children in their house. Also, socializing with some friends becomes
a bit difficult as most couples have kids who also influence building the social circle of their parents.
2. Only 1 child scenario:
Advantages: Parents can give undivided attention, spend more time and save money by choosing to have only one
child. They can also concentrate their energy and time raising the only child. The child also gets more resources as
there would be no other sibling to share with.
Disadvantages: Some single kids are known to miss having a brother and sister over time. With no partner of their
age at home with whom the only child can share his/her personal feelings, they tend to seek friends and spend more
time outside. Parents need to be doubly cautious to oversee what company their only child is in. Parents should not
shower extraordinary special attention/love as the child tends to expect the same when he grows up and faces the
real world or may feel distressed when other people do not recognize his specialness.
3. Two children scenario: A family of 4 is considered the ideal balanced scenario- both from parents and children
perspective. Two children tend to learn quickly and get support from each other. Also, the second pregnancy and child
are usually relatively more easy to manage because of the experience gained from the first one.
4. More than 2 children scenario: Go for this option only if both husband/wife love having more children and can support
them emotionally, financially including school admissions etc. Some couples get into a trap of producing kids till they
meet their objective of 'must have a son'... which is not advisable as boys and girls are considered equitable now.
For effective family planning / birth control options... Click here
5. Decision factors/ How much age gap between children?:
a) Decision factors: The decision of how many children should be taken solely by husband and wife based on their
financial, career and house status. Do seek experiences from friends/relatives but do not succumb to outside
pressure. If your partner is hung up on his/her decision you should first try to convince and take help of close relatives.
If all this fails, accept the decision happily and go along. Once decision is made, accept it as your own decision also
and never ever criticize it.
b) Age gap: Although its a totally personal decision, but suggested age gap is 2 to 4 years depending upon personal
financial, job and family scenarios. Kids are able to share their feelings and seek opinion from their sibling more
openly if their is not a huge age gap. Reasonable gap also helps reutilizing some of the stuff/toys you bought for your
first child & save money. Some families initially decide to have only one child but realize very late the need to have a
companion at home for their only child, thus creating a huge age gap. So do not keep on postponing this decision. |
| 9 | 
Physical abuse |
My spouse hit/slapped me. How to handle the situation?:
1. Initial reaction: React severely and tell him/her clearly that it will not be tolerated next time. Avoid hitting back
because then it usually gets very ugly. Many partners allow themselves to be abused for a long time and later wake
up. So stop it the first time it happens. If that repeats, take steps like withdrawing into self and no communication
till he/she realises. Watch for your behaviour also to know what you did to trigger this kind of adverse reaction and
resolve to be more patient & tolerant next time. If your spouse does not apologize genuinely after hitting/slapping
you, then there is a 99% chance that he may do it again in future without any feeling of regret. Talk to your spouse
and set clear expectation.
2. Multiple instances: Slapping or physical abuse is absolutely not acceptable no matter what the issue is. Let your
spouse clearly know what the limits are. Don't immediately think of ending your relationship. Take a break of a few
days by staying at a friend/relative's place to convey that violent behaviour is not acceptable or just stop talking until
your spouse apologizes. If you have been hit more than once or are scared and feel that your life is in danger, then
leave and file for divorce using a lawyer's services. If the slapping incident happened while he was drunk, it may be
an isolated case provided you make your spouse apologize and get a promise not to touch alcohol again.
3. Money dependencies: Financial constraints usually force a spouse to continue staying with the partner and bear the
physical abuses multiple times. And you shouldn't say "He hits me sometimes but is a nice guy'...that is senseless
unless you enjoy being hit. Be firm, get sufficient education/skills and inculcate some hobbies which you can use to
generate some income if required. There are many ladies who have come out stronger by staying alone, living much
happier by avoiding physical & mental assaults... even with financial constraints. Many times it is 'Fear of instability'
that makes one spouse cling to the other and tolerate abuse. Release that fear knowing that you will be supported
in the path and a solution will emerge. Be ready to let go of the relationship or dependency if situation arises as
your self respect is much more important.
4. Children: Violent behaviour and fights have a negative impact on a child's mind and children should not be staying with
the violent partner. Share the incident with your extremely close friend or relative to seek advice/support. If the violent
behaviour triggered due to issues in a joint family, discuss with elderly and explore staying separately as an option if
the situation does not improve.
5. Physically hurt/painful marks on body: Reach out for professional help (for emergency contact numbers click here).
You may also file a police report but that brings your homely tension out in public. Don't be afraid to explore that
option especially if your life is being threatened. |
| 10 | 
Monotonous life: Surprise your spouse |
Some surprises that you can give to further build a long lasting, trusted relationship:
1. Surprise at least once a month: Convey your love by sticking a note inside your spouse's cupboard.
2. Replicate a gesture from your dating times: Relive the good times you had together and laugh over it.
3. Plan a surprise movie/dinner outing just with your spouse (no friends/kids). Be on time.
4. Convey your feelings or 3 magical words by putting a note under/on her pillow just before she goes to bed.
5. Show concern: Call from office to ask your partner if everything is going well and offer to help.
6. Lighter surprise moments: Use humor that is appreciated by your partner or organize watching a comedy movie.
7. Key dates: Remember birth/anniversary dates and ensure you spend quality time with your spouse.
8. Share household chores: If weekdays are busy, surprise by making a breakfast or just a cup of coffee/tea.
9. Give a warm smile and a nice hug after your spouse returns home from work.
10. Bring a nice gift without any occasion. For Unique Gift Ideas for him and her Click here. |
