My Musings on Life

 As I began the monumental task of switching out summer clothes for winter ones, I knew it would inevitably spark a clash of perspectives between my spouse and me. This seemingly routine activity became the perfect backdrop for illustrating the age-old debate: Why do men and women think so differently? Who needs a system when you can simply hope for the best? My approach versus his is a classic example of the contrasting ways men and women tackle the same challenge. It's a mystery that has baffled humanity for centuries—a puzzle wrapped in an enigma and sprinkled with a dose of humour and confusion. Men often perceive women as complicated, while women may view men as overly simplistic—at times even oblivious. Yet the truth lies somewhere in between. Men and women are like ice cream: they come in many flavours but melt in uniquely different ways. In most households, discussions often reveal these differences. My husband and I frequently find ourselves on opposite sides ...

Recently, a celebrity couple made headlines for a sad reason—they announced their amicable separation after over 25 years of marriage. This prompted me to reflect on how yet another institution of marriage had succumbed to the challenges of time and emotion. While growing up, like many girls, I envisioned marriage as a gateway to freedom. No strict rules, no obligations to study—just a partner who would love me for who I am, listen patiently, and make me feel cherished. To a large extent, this has been true in my own life. My husband loves me for who I am and continues to amaze me with his kind and loving nature. A Chinese proverb says, "Marriage is like a pair of scissors: two imperfect pieces joined together to create something beautiful." Marriage is a beautiful mess, a delicate dance between two imperfect people navigating life together. It’s a roller coaster ride, where the highs lift you to exhilarating heights, and the lows bring you back to earth, grounding y...

It was a couple of days ago that I flipped through my mobile's gallery, and smiling faces of friends popped up. The pictures made me pause and reflect upon the steadfast friendships that have been a cornerstone in my life. Each picture transported me to times gone by, reminding me of an incredibly unique bunch of friends who have made this journey of mine so special. There's this saying: "Friends are the siblings God never gave us." They are the family we choose, and they shape our personalities in an amount no one can ever think of. Friendship, the purest form of love, knows no caste, no culture, and no appearance. And quite rightly so, when our bad habits tally, our good friends are born. Common quirks often form the base of strong bonds, and that's when the magic of friendship unfolds. Some friends came with my life partner, and others came with my children. Sometimes, I even think that my children's friends are mine, since these friends have played an ...

Parenting is the most rewarding and yet thankless job in the world. At times, it feels like an endless cycle of chaos, but finding humour in the midst of this chaos can be a lifesaver. Parenting "With a Pinch of Salt" i.e. taking things lightly and with a dash of humour – makes the job easier. Raising my children, I often found myself stumped by their endless "why's?"—simple questions that were often unanswerable. Sometimes my foolish answers would leave them amazed, and other times, we all found ourselves laughing. It’s a tough job trying to find humour in parenting, but it’s crucial for our sanity. Why do parents behave the way they do? Many of us react with stress and anger, often yelling without thinking of the consequences - due to our own limitations. As a result few children grow up as adults, who understand their parents behaviour and forgive them for their parenting behaviour, while others grow up with the scar which doesn't recover, resulting i...

A few days ago, while dining in a restaurant,  I met a perfect looking graceful couple, celebrating fifty years of marriage. When I asked them the secret to their enduring love, they simply said, "We still hold hands." It was a poignant reminder that love, often expressed in the most subtle ways, is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. As a woman born in the late '60s, my journey with love has been a long and winding one. As a child, I found solace in the unconditional love of my family. My parents, with their unwavering support and gentle guidance, instilled in me a deep sense of security and belonging. Teenage years brought the whirlwind of youthful infatuation, fuelled by the romantic tales of Bollywood. I remember the thrill of those first crushes, and the heart-pounding excitement of a stolen glance. True love, however, blossomed with my husband. Our partnership, built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared sense of humour, has weathered countless storms. Th...