“A wonderful day to spend among women in leadership” said Rashmi Karthik an attendee of Women #BreakingBarriers Bangalore. Breaking Barriers is now coming to Pune, Panjim, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Chennai. Register now to attend!
This is a reply to a comment on my previous article where I was pretty much blaming my dad, mostly complaining about my marriage and traditional in laws.
Comment: “All this ranting and raving is fine, but what is she doing about it?”
Excellent question! Just listing problems and blaming it on my dad is not going to change my situation at all. And I can write 100 pitiful articles, but that is also not going to change much. What am I actually doing to deal with my traditional in laws?
Divorce is not an option as my husband and I really love each other. Considering thousand known-unknown factors, separation is also not an option.
So, here are little temporary solutions that are helping me co-ordinate with my brand new traditional in laws.
Well, my husband and I tried to sit and discuss issues with them. It went terribly wrong. Obviously. If I can’t change easily from what I am at the age of 24, it’s that much more difficult for them. But then talking about how I feel in front of them (for once), gave me such a relief! And even though no house rules changed, they understood that I can’t be tamed as per their wishes!
The other thing that I am doing is making a priority list. Things that I just can’t compromise on, and need immediate change in mindset from their side, and the things that can wait. For example, my career is at the top of my priority list. So for now, things like my living style, friends, travelling, etc. will have to wait till I sort out the more important things. Maybe it’s not a great technique, but priorities!
So yes, I do whatever work I can right now. Make excel sheets for office, manage the husband’s office work that only needs a laptop, freelancing online. Not making much money, yes, but not going out of practice. Not sitting idle, not wasting time in kitty parties, not watching TV and not spending time just being online.
I hated explaining myself to him in the beginning too. But then I realized, guys these days understand everything so much better. So, I started discussing things with my husband. Not shouting at him or fighting with him, but discussing. Because he understands his parents the best, he gives me some of the best tips to turn things in my favour.
In the beginning I tried to do everything on my own, so that I get compliments as to what a great bahu I am. But, that was stupid. Really. The better option is to manage house-helps efficiently. Do not work for compliments. Work for convenience. I try to spend my time doing things that I enjoy more and not force myself into doing things that can be done by someone else.
I can’t watch those saas-bahu series that are considered as ‘Family Time’ when everyone in my house is around. So, I rather sit there with everyone and read. And I read whenever I need distraction. I have read more books in the last eight months than I did in college or while working. It has become a therapy to me.
When the whole marriage feels unfair and I want to calm myself, I think of it as a school lecture that I hate to attend. I think of my traditional in laws as the boss for whom I will never be good enough. Keep telling myself that nothing is permanent and it’s getting better with time. For example, irrespective of everything, I have become a great cook who can cook any cuisine. At least I know no matter how vulnerable my life is going to get, I can always make myself a great meal.
I am not compromising on this one. My husband and I are always lighting some candles, taking (and giving) some massages – even if we go out less, there’s always a lot of cute things we are doing for each other.
And keep all the precautions because last thing you want in all this mess is a baby. And ladies, those who are told that a baby is a way out, please know that it’s only a way into all the problems if you aren’t settled in your marriage and career yet.
Everyone is going to have a different list, but this is my list. This is how I am dealing with the situation I mentioned last time. And this is what helps me keep going, knowing that there’s going to be a rainbow at the end of the tunnel. I am sure there are better ways and I will slowly figure them out too.
But yes, this is how the small revolution starts. It starts when we help each other discovering better actions and reactions. When we move from pointing fingers to joining hands.
STOP ASKING ALL THE GIRLS/BOYS AND THEIR PARENTS – “Toh shaadi ka kya socha hai?“
Happily go when you are invited to one but do not ask before that. Don’t be one of the ‘log jo kahenge’. Keep yourself away from such talk.
What is your contribution to this small revolution? I want your answers!
Become a premium user on Women’s Web and get access to exclusive content for women, plus useful Women’s Web events and resources in your city.
Image source: shutterstock
I support :Beti bachao, beti padhao I am against: Fir beti ki acche ghar me
Very very well written and prioritised in a convenient manner. I think you have spoken for many women and have cut short their time on their home work of to do list. Go ahead and enjoy.
May be one small point I would add for all women – stop feeling guilty about everything and refrain from inducing guilt in others. Anyone can correct me if I am wrong. I somehow feel that many of us are ‘taught’ to feel guilty in the name of making us more sensitive, but it seems to have left us not able to enjoy what we do. I have found the westerners say ‘sorry’ just once and they don’t dwell on it for a long time to show compunction. And they try their level best not to repeat the mistake. Asians dwell on it longer just in contemplation and repetitive expressions. All the best to all.
Playing it damm hard n not giving up is the only need!! Closly watching the society’s awesome BS n doing my homework to change the game!!!
Despite Trying So Hard, I Feel A Failure As A Wife, A Mom, A Woman. What Do I Do?
10 Ways In Which My Period Brings Me Closer To My Real Self
Challenges On Joining Work After A Career Break As A New Mom, And Tips To Cope With Them
We MUST And SHOULD Be Flexible, But What About You, Dear Husband?
Get our weekly mailer and never miss out on the best reads by and about women!