Marriage Counsellor and Psychologist Shivani Misri Sadhoo

In today’s busy and competitive world, where life revolves around the clock, maintaining a healthy relationship can definitely be challenging. Many of us must have experienced the suffocating grip of stress from work, feeling its corrosive effects on our relationships like a sour lemon in the face. However, amidst the chaos of deadlines, demanding colleagues, and relentless shift patterns, there exists a path to safeguarding our intimate connections. Let’s find out from relationship expert and eminent couples therapist Shivani Misri Sadhoo ways to protect your intimate relationship from the impact of work stress.

Stress is highly contagious. That’s why when you are feeling the stress, it is obvious that your partner too will feel it indirectly. Sometimes this becomes too intense and is called crossover workplace stress where partners share and amplify each other’s work stress, showing how emotional burdens transcend individual experiences, says leading couples therapist Shivani Misri Sadhoo in this blog.

What are some ways to protect your intimate relationship from the effects of work-related stress?

Shivani Sadhoo says the below-mentioned pointers will help you to manage your intimate relationship effectively.

Identify the stress first – Recognizing your partner’s stress signals is crucial for maintaining a strong connection. It allows you to understand their struggles and provide much-needed support. Changes in sleep, eating habits, mood, or energy levels are key indicators.

Since women may display stress differently than men, attentive observation becomes even more vital. By acknowledging their stress, you open avenues for support, fostering resilience and strengthening your bond.

Separate our professional life from personal life – While it may be quite difficult to disconnect yourself from work in this hyperconnected world, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between your professional and personal life. Designate specific areas at home as work-free zones like the bedroom or yard.

Also, schedule work-free times during the day with regular breaks and a fixed end time in the evening. This proactive approach enables couples to support each other’s emotional needs without sacrificing their own well-being, ultimately nurturing a healthier and more resilient bond.

Communicate – Effective communication is vital in nurturing intimate relationships. By openly discussing work stress with your partner, you cultivate understanding and patience, preventing misunderstandings. Sharing concerns and supporting each other builds teamwork and unity.

Establishing a safe environment for expressing emotions strengthens intimacy. Regular check-ins enable honest conversations about challenges, nurturing a deeper connection. This mutual sharing of burdens and vulnerabilities creates a strong foundation for intimacy to flourish.

The right choice of words – Choose your words carefully, for they are the bridge between hearts in times of relationship stress. When emotions run high, allowing your partner to express themselves without judgment fosters understanding. Accusations, exaggerations, or insincere compliments only deepen wounds.

Engage in discussions with empathy, avoiding defensiveness, to navigate stress as a team. Equally crucial is monitoring your tone; its pitch, volume, and pace convey more than words alone, shaping the emotional landscape of communication.

Offer help/support – Supporting your partner during times of stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. By sharing your feelings with trusted individuals, such as friends or therapists, you can alleviate the emotional burden on your partner.

Understanding their needs and communicating yours nurtures mutual support and prevents resentment. Listening without judgment cultivates compassion and strengthens the bond, aiding in healing past wounds and building a resilient partnership.

Look after yourself – Taking time apart from your partner, even amidst isolation, is crucial for self-care and a healthy relationship. Whether it’s a brief solo walk, separate workspaces, or pursuing individual interests, this distance allows for recharge and alleviates shared stress.

It fosters independence, preventing mutual overwhelm, and nurturing fondness through the adage, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Stress and strain are unavoidable companions in our modern lives, often infiltrating our intimate relationships. However, by recognizing and addressing the impact of work stress, couples can fortify their bond.

Through effective communication, setting boundaries, and offering support, partners can navigate the tumultuous waters together. By prioritizing understanding, empathy, and self-care, they forge a path toward resilience and deeper intimacy, safeguarding their relationship amidst life’s chaos.

Have you ever found yourself on a first date, heart racing, palms sweating, desperately wishing for an escape route in case it all goes south? It’s a rite of passage in the world of dating, where both parties are often teetering on the edge of excitement and anxiety, wondering if this encounter will lead to something magical or just another story to laugh about later. First dates can be tricky. What works for you may not work for the other person.

What do women really want or expect on their first dates?

Shivani Misri Sadhoo, the leading relationship counsellor and couples therapist in Delhi, is here to guide you with those little things that single women want on a first date.

Punctuality – Punctuality on a first date speaks volumes about your character and consideration. Arriving on time demonstrates respect for her schedule and shows maturity and responsibility. It conveys your value for the date and sets a positive tone. Conversely, being late can start things off poorly. Communicating any delays or emergencies promptly showcases courtesy and thoughtfulness, reinforcing your respect for her time.

Honest Conversation – On a first date, single women seek authentic conversations because they want to truly understand their date. They crave depth beyond rehearsed lines, desiring genuine connections that reveal the person’s essence. Meaningful discussions, where both parties share openly and listen attentively, allow them to assess compatibility and determine if they want to pursue the relationship further. It’s about understanding each other on a deeper level.

Being Polite – How would you feel if someone you’re meeting for the first time forgets basic manners? Probably not great, right? Well, women appreciate politeness because it shows respect and consideration. Small gestures like holding doors open or chewing with your mouth closed make a big difference. Plus, avoiding gross or inappropriate topics shows you’re mindful of her comfort and boundaries.

Avoid Staring at Your Phone Always – One of the banes of dating in a digital era is the constant urge to check social media notifications, no matter where you are! But, if you’re constantly glued to your gadgets on the first date, it sends a signal that you’re not fully present and excited about meeting someone new. The thrill of a first date lies in the anticipation and getting to know each other.

If your attention is elsewhere, it’s like saying, “You’re not that important.” Nobody wants to feel ignored or disrespected, especially on a first date where the goal is to connect. Unless it’s an emergency, keeping your face buried in your phone sends the wrong message—it’s a surefire way to kill the vibe and potentially ruin what could’ve been a great conversation.

No Fake Compliments – It goes without saying that on a first date, women seek genuine compliments that come from the heart. They don’t want to feel like someone’s just throwing out empty words to impress them. When they sense insincerity, it makes them feel like their autonomy and boundaries are being compromised, especially if they feel their safety is at risk.

Instead of just sweet-talking, showing sincere interest and affection by complimenting traits that truly matter to you, like her smile, hair, or outfit, can go a long way. If you’re going to call her beautiful, make sure you truly mean it—it’s the sincerity that counts.

Simple and Smart – Women appreciate simplicity and intelligence on first dates. Genuine conversation, thoughtfulness, and sincerity are valued over extravagant displays. Overconfidence and insincerity are major turn-offs, creating discomfort.

Authenticity is key; any hint of pretence disrupts the atmosphere. It’s about feeling relaxed and comfortable, not impressed by theatrics. Simple gestures make for memorable and positive experiences, setting the stage for genuine connections.

While it is true that first dates can be nerve-wracking, focusing on punctuality, genuine conversation, politeness, presence, sincerity in compliments, and simplicity sets the stage for a meaningful connection, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Leading marriage counsellor and couples therapist Shivani Misri Sadhoo explains why it is important to continue with your therapy even when you find it tough to handle.

When life throws us curve balls and we feel like we’re constantly running on empty, how do we navigate the maze of emotions that come with it? In a world where the pace never seems to slow down, where do we find solace and support for our mental and emotional well-being?

The answer may lie in therapy.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. From work deadlines to family obligations, the relentless demands on our time and energy can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed. And when faced with challenges or setbacks, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves struggling to cope with the flood of emotions that accompany them.

But what if there was a way to untangle the knots of our emotions, to make sense of the chaos within ourselves?

Therapy is working for you

At first, therapy feels good. You connect with your therapist, feel understood, and learn about yourself. But then you hit a wall. You talk in circles, feel irritated, and dislike therapy. It’s normal. It means you’re making progress, confronting things you’d rather avoid.

It’s tough but part of the process. If therapy would have been easy, everybody would have been doing it. Sometimes your therapist dives deep into your subconscious to uncover painful memories. Don’t give up, it’s all part of the journey towards healing.

Improvement of Coping Skills

Did you know that our life experiences shape how we deal with emotions? Interactions with others and life events affect how we react to what happens to us. When you talk to a psychologist when you’re feeling good, it’s easier to think about things and become more aware. Therapy makes you feel safe and helps you understand how you handle emotions.

It can also help you replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with better ones. Therapy gives you a chance to learn new ways to deal with tough situations or feelings. Your therapist can show you how to spot negative thoughts and change them to feel better. This can lead to a happier mood and better overall health.

Improves Clarity of Thought

It is quite natural to feel bothered by things from time to time, even if your overall life is happy. These could include annoying habits from your partner, family discussions, or work issues. Dealing with these challenges can affect your daily well-being and long-term happiness. Talking to a therapist can help you understand and clarify your emotions.

They offer an outside perspective that can be very useful. While family and friends can help, therapists are trained to listen and provide helpful insights. Identifying your feelings and why you’re feeling them is healthy and makes them easier to manage.

Helps in Personal Growth

Therapy often helps you rediscover your inner self. It sees difficulties not as roadblocks but as stepping stones for personal growth. This psychological path lets you explore your mind and understand yourself better.

Instead of changing external circumstances, therapy focuses on how you cope and respond to them. It’s an inward journey where gaining insight helps you grow into the person you want to be, boosting your self-efficacy and fulfilment. A trained psychologist guides you with understanding and tools for this transformation.

Teaches you different strategies to handle stress better

Therapy offers valuable tools and techniques for handling life’s challenges smoothly. It provides strategies like cognitive-behavioural methods and mindfulness practices. Therapists help clients manage stress, anxiety, and depression. With practice, individuals can develop self-awareness and emotional control. This empowers them to face life’s hurdles with more confidence.

Therapy isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s a journey toward self-discovery and a more fulfilling life. In essence, persisting through the challenging phases of therapy is pivotal for profound personal growth. Embracing discomfort signifies progress, honing coping skills, clarifying thoughts, fostering resilience, and acquiring strategies for stress management.

Dating an independent woman can be an enriching experience, but it also comes with its own set of nuances. So, what exactly do independent women want from men in relationships?

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand who an independent woman is. She’s not just someone who pays her bills or pursues her career goals. An independent woman knows herself deeply, speaks her mind with clarity, and lives authentically according to her values. She doesn’t seek validation or fulfilment from others; instead, she finds it within herself.

What are the things independent women want from men?

Let us learn from leading marriage and relationship counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo in this blog.

Respect

Independent women seek partners who not only recognize but celebrate their autonomy. A secure man values her self-reliance, encouraging her aspirations and respecting her need for space. He engages in constructive dialogue, cherishes her uniqueness, and supports her goals.

Moreover, he values her physical boundaries and emotional well-being, recognizing that true allure lies in his ability to comprehend and connect with her as an individual while acknowledging the unity within their shared journey.

Equality in relationships

An independent woman looks for a partner who is her equal, not her competitor. She believes in sharing responsibilities, making decisions together, and working as a team to build a life. This means both partners pitch in and share the load, creating a balanced and satisfying dynamic.

Equality isn’t just about the basics; it’s about fairness, talking openly, and understanding each other. It’s about seeing and respecting each other’s differences and treating each other’s opinions and contributions with value, regardless of what society says.

Honest communication

Good communication is vital for a healthy relationship. Independent women appreciate partners who are upfront and willing to have deep conversations. She values openness and honesty, so it’s important to be direct and assertive like her.

Don’t shy away from expressing your thoughts and feelings. She wants her partner to be transparent and vulnerable too, as this builds intimacy and strengthens the relationship. So, keep the dialogue open and honest for a deeper connection that grows stronger over time.

Emotional connection

Sometimes, grasping the unspoken nuances becomes crucial. An empowered and self-reliant woman places great value on emotional availability in a relationship. Recognizing the significance of emotional intimacy, she seeks a connection that goes beyond shared interests and physical attraction. Fearless in embracing vulnerability, she desires a partner who shares this openness.

For her, a relationship is a comprehensive bond that involves mutual support and understanding. Even the most self-sufficient woman may, at times, yearn to be vulnerable, allowing her partner to be the pillar of strength.

They want their partners to follow their own dreams too

Independent women seek partners who are strong and self-sufficient. They are drawn to individuals who can handle their own lives without constant support. These women value ambition and expect their partners to have their own aspirations.

Being with someone who is driven not only adds excitement to the relationship but also fosters personal growth and independence. Such partnerships propel both parties toward their dreams and create a supportive environment for mutual success.

Looks for unconditional love

An independent woman values her needs in a relationship. Despite her strength, she desires love, care, and consideration. Like anyone, she seeks a partner who embraces her flaws, celebrates her uniqueness, and stands by her through life’s challenges. Recognize her feelings, be there for her, and show unconditional love for a flourishing relationship.

Now that we’ve explored what independent women expect from their partners—respect, equality, honest communication, emotional connection, and shared dreams—it’s evident that they seek relationships built on mutual understanding and support. These expectations foster strong bonds where both individuals thrive personally and collectively, embracing each other’s autonomy and aspirations.