What Shakira learnt about life after becoming a mother, and why it changed her forever |


What Shakira learnt about life after becoming a mother, and why it changed her forever
International superstar Shakira shares her journey into motherhood, illustrating how it completely transformed her worldview. She embraced a new definition of success, focusing on being present rather than striving for perfection. With time becoming a cherished emotional investment, her career choices now reflect a deeper consideration.

Shakira has spent decades in the public eye, but parenthood changed the way she looks at life, work, and herself. In several interviews over the years, she has spoken honestly about how becoming a mother grounded her and made her more aware of her emotional choices. As reported, Shakira has described motherhood as demanding but deeply clarifying. This article looks closely at what she has said, what she learnt from it, and why her words matter to parents everywhere.

Motherhood made her redefine success

Before becoming a mother, Shakira measured success through albums, tours, and global impact. After her children were born, that definition shifted. As reported by People, she once shared that success began to feel more personal and less public.

Cultivating open communication in kids

Motherhood taught her that showing up consistently mattered more than being perfect. That idea challenges the pressure many parents feel to “do it all” flawlessly. Her learning here is: being present can matter more than being impressive.

She learnt that time is an emotional choice

Shakira has said that time became her most valuable resource after becoming a parent. Work decisions began to carry emotional weight and not just professional value.This learning feels relevant because many parents struggle with guilt around work. Shakira’s experience highlights a critical thought: every “yes” to work is also a “no” to something else. Parenthood made her more intentional, not less ambitious.

Shakira

Shakira is considered the Queen Of Latin Music

Motherhood changed how she listens

Shakira has spoken about how parenting improved her ability to listen without trying to control outcomes. She learnt that children respond better to patience than authority.This lesson stands out because it moves away from common advice about strict rules. Instead, it focuses on emotional awareness. Listening became a skill she practised daily, both at home and in her creative life.

She understood that vulnerability is strength

Shakira has openly acknowledged that motherhood made her emotionally softer, not weaker. She has said that becoming a parent made her more aware of her fears, but also more resilient.This learning is important because public figures hide their own vulnerability. Her honesty suggests that accepting emotional exposure can actually build inner strength.

Parenthood helped her reconnect with her roots

Shakira has stated in multiple interviews that having children pushed her to reconsider her cultural identity and values. She became more aware of the traditions and values she wished to preserve.This shows how becoming a mom can help adults rediscover their childhood memories. It includes not only parenting children, but also thinking on one’s own life and selecting what is most essential.

She learnt that growth comes with letting go

According to reports, one of Shakira’s most reflective thoughts is about letting go of power. She learned via parenthood that letting kids be themselves is the best way for them to develop.In a world where comparison is the norm, this realisation seems especially important.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews and reports from trusted media outlets. The content is for informational purposes only and does not intend to speculate or add unverified details about Shakira’s personal life.



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Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Crafts Mela 2026: Dates, and what to expect this year |


Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Crafts Mela 2026: Dates, and what to expect this year

Srajkund Mela has already started, and if you haven’t visited it yet, plan your visit soon. The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 was inaugurated by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana. The Vice President also launched the Mela Sathi App, which is expected to assist visitors in navigating the fair and gaining information, as reported by newsonair.Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan said India’s artisans are the custodians of centuries-old knowledge and that empowering them is vital for building a strong, inclusive, and sustainable economy. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s cultural heritage and handicrafts sector have been placed at the centre of national renewal. He also talked about programs like the Pradhanmantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana, which help traditional craftspeople by giving them financial support and skill development.The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Nayab Saini.Read more: Indian runner sets Guinness record for fastest Manali–Leh run across high Himalayan passes, finishes under 100 hours

Theme, partner nation and highlights

The central theme of Surajkund Mela 2026 is ‘Local to Global’, which highlights the effort to give local artisans international exposure. Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the theme states this year, showcasing their distinctive crafts, textiles, and cultural traditions. Egypt is participating as the partner nation, adding a global flavour to the fair through crafts, performances, and cuisine. Visitors can expect daily performances by renowned national and international folk artists at the two open-air theatres (Chaupals) inside the Mela premises. Special cultural evening programmes will also be held every night at the main Chaupal. The festival will continue until February 15, 2026.

Stalls and attractions

Surajkund Mela is best known for bringing India’s craft heritage under one roof.Craft stalls: Handloom textiles, pottery, jewellery, woodwork, leather products, metal crafts, and handmade décorFood stalls: Regional cuisines from across Indian states, street food, and traditional sweetsCultural performances: Folk dances, music, puppet shows, and international actsLive workshops: Artisans demonstrating traditional craft-making techniques

How to reach Surajkund Mela 2026

Metro nearest stations: Badarpur Border Metro Station (Violet Line), Faridabad Sector 37/38 Metro Stations (depending on entry gate)Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and shuttle services are available from metro stations.Road: Easily accessible by taxi, private car, or bus from Delhi, Gurgaon, and FaridabadClear road signage guides visitors to the venueBus servicesSpecial buses operate from ISBT, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and major metro stopsAirIndira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi): Approximately 25–30 km awayRead more: Japan multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals: Eligibility, documents and application process explained

Parking arrangements

Authorities have created 10 designated parking zones around the venue. Visitors are advised to use only authorised parking areas. Vehicles entering Faridabad from Prahladpur (Delhi Border) or Shooting Range should use NH-44 via Badarpur. Heavy vehicles from Gurugram are advised to take the KMP Expressway or other alternate routes.

What to expect at Surajkund Mela 2026

This year’s event is expected to offer a vibrant mix of crafts, performances, and culinary experiences, with Egypt being the partner country. To enhance the evening ambience, the Tourism Department has renovated some areas of the venue and installed new lighting. Visitors can look forward to a comprehensive experience of Indian and international folk cultures, crafts, and cuisine all under one roof at the fair. So, make your weekend plans now!



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Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets why they should be used in a washing machine and which is better?


Dryer Balls vs Dryer Sheets why they should be used in a washing machine and which is better?

Over the years, the laundry practice has changed significantly. Among several developments, dryer balls and dryer sheets are widely used during the drying cycle. These add to the laundry outcomes. For those who don’t know, the two serve similar purposes but differ greatly in composition, performance and environmental impact. It is important to understand the difference between the two to make better decisions. Both dryer balls and sheets are used in the dryer only. These play a crucial role in post-wash fabric care. These reduce drying time and also minimise static electricity. These also help improve fabric softness and reduce wrinkles. They also improve drying efficiency.Let’s take a look at these:Dryer BallsFor those who don’t know, dryer balls are reusable laundry accessories. These are mainly made from wool, rubber, or plastic. We put them in the dryer along with wet clothes and as the dryer rotates, these balls move between garments, and keep them physically separated.Advantages:The main benefit of this is improved air circulationAlso, dryer balls save clothes from cluttering together. This can reduce drying time by up to 20–30 percent, and lower energy consumption.Fabric SofteningWool dryer balls also act as natural fabric softener. These soften fabrics through mechanical action rather than chemical coatings.Cost effectiveAlso, the dryer balls can last for many (around hundred) drying cycles. Most of the time, for years, making them a cost-effective option.Environmental friendlyClearly these are friends of the environment! These are reusable and free of any chemical. These generate less waste and also contribute to energy savings. However, the dryer balls are not that useful when it comes to eliminating static cling. What are Dryer Sheets

Washing machine

Canva

Now, dryer sheets are mainly single-use fabric sheets. These are coated with softening agents. We put them in the dryer at the very start of the cycle.Advantages:Static Reduction: Dryer sheets neutralise static electricity. These work very well against static cling.Fragrance: A number of users prefer the fresh smell of dryer sheets. It stays on clothes after drying, making laundry feel and smell nice.Convenience: There’s absolutely no maintenance required. One of the main concerns with these is that chemicals used may irritate sensitive skin. Sometimes, it can also leave residues on clothes and dryer sensors. Over time, this residue may reduce towel absorbency.So what’s betterChoosing between dryer balls and dryer sheets completely depends on individual’s preference:Dryer balls are best for energy efficiency and sustainability. These are also chemical free.Those who prefer fragrance, dryer sheets are a better option.For cost savings, dryer balls are great.So choose your pick wisely.



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5 most expensive buildings from across the world and why they cost so much



SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, California, was completed in 2020 with a construction budget of approximately $5.5 billion, making it the costliest sports stadium ever constructed. The stadium has a seating capacity of 70,000 and boasts a translucent roof and a massive double-sided video board. The stadium was constructed on the site of the former Hollywood Park racetrack and will host major sporting events such as the Super Bowl. It will also host the Olympic Games in 2028.

The world’s most costly buildings illustrate how architectural design can integrate religious belief, commerce, entertainment, and national identity into massive physical structures. Ranging from the religious majesty of Masjid al-Haram to the futuristic entertainment space of Marina Bay Sands and the technological wonder of SoFi Stadium, each building embodies distinct human values with an unprecedented level of financial expenditure. They collectively illustrate that the value of iconic buildings goes beyond mere financial expenditure to encompass their cultural significance, innovation, and global significance.

Image Credit: Wikipedia



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“Waiters hesitated to attend us …”: After living abroad, this professional explains why India is a better choice than Europe and US |


“Waiters hesitated to attend us …”: After living abroad, this professional explains why India is a better choice than Europe and US

For years, moving abroad has been sold as a one-way upgrade, better pay, cleaner cities, efficient systems, and a lifestyle that signals success. For many Indians, returning home after “making it” overseas is framed as a compromise, or worse, a quiet failure. But that narrative is beginning to crack. Across online forums and private conversations, a growing number of Indians who once built lives in the US and Europe are questioning whether the trade-offs are still worth it. Rising living costs, subtle social exclusion, long healthcare waiting times, and emotional distance from family are pushing some to reconsider a decision that was once considered irreversible. One such account recently sparked discussion on Reddit. Shared by an Indian professional, with the handle name nandhini92, who spent four years abroad, two in the US and two across major European cities, the post offers a candid look at what life looks like after moving back, not to a metro, but to a tier-3 town in South India.

airport travel

The user didn’t return out of compulsion or career burnout. She works remotely, earns well, and lives comfortably. Her story contrasts with the popular idea that life abroad is inherently superior. She describes her experience saying, “I lived for about two years in Texas, followed by another two years in Europe, specifically in Amsterdam, Paris, and Munich. A year ago, I moved back to India, and I can confidently say it has been the best decision of my life.”Now living in a tier-3 town in South India, working remotely, and earning a strong income, allowed her to evaluate life back home without the usual pressures of unemployment or adjustment.

work remotely

In terms of racism, not even the subtle kind, “I feel genuinely good knowing my kids will go to school where no one will call them Jeets, brown curry, poop blocker, or whatever the latest insult might be,” she adds. She admits that she never faced direct racism abroad, but notes that subtle forms were hard to ignore, particularly in the US. “Like waiters hesitating to attend to us. Not using ‘please’ when interacting with us, while they did with others,” she adds.Read more: Anand Mahindra wonders why the world is not visiting this unique travel destination, calls it heaven Medical access is also one of the crucial things that has been discussed. “There’s zero wait time for medical appointments,” she added while recalling waiting nearly a month abroad after a cracked, root-canaled tooth, eventually returning to India for treatment.“In India, you can get a same-day appointment with a brain surgeon or super-specialty doctor, and it’s surprisingly affordable.” In terms of infrastructures, it’s actually better than people assume, and we agree with him. Although potholes and inconsistencies, many parts are livable and constantly improving, she adds.As for finances, she added, “I’ve invested in several commercial properties and earn about INR 1 lakh per month in rent, while my monthly expenses are under INR 20,000.”

reddit post

Living in a family home, hiring domestic help, and avoiding frequent eating out have made her lifestyle both affordable and comfortable. Many of us face this emotional trauma too, as we stay most of our life away from our parents to earn a living. “Seeing my mom every day matters more than I realised,” that thought, she says, stayed with her throughout her time abroad. “Now, I see her every day, and that kind of comfort is irreplaceable,” she says now.Read more: Indian runner sets Guinness record for fastest Manali–Leh run across high Himalayan passes, finishes under 100 hours “India can feel chaotic and overcrowded, like a carnival every day. But I actually thrive on that constant buzz.” In contrast, she describes the US as feeling ‘eerily quiet,’ especially after dark.The trade-offs still exist, she says, like public transport isn’t as clean as in the US or Europe, corruption exists, and other small things. Still, her conclusion is clear that she made the best decision of her life by coming back to India.



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Japan multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals with up to 5-year validity: Eligibility, documents and application process explained |


Japan multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals with up to 5-year validity: Eligibility, documents and application process explained

Are you someone who needs to visit Japan quite often? Or if you are someone who wants a multiple-entry Japanese visa, this article will guide you in the best possible way. Indian passport holders, who travel to Japan frequently for tourism, business, or cultural exchange, can apply for this multiple-entry temporary visitor visa, which will allow them to visit the destination repeatedly for short stays over a longer validity period. Issued by the Japanese diplomatic missions, this visa is designed for travellers with strong travel history or financial capacity and does not permit paid work or revenue-generating activities. For more details, check this. Below is a detailed breakdown of who is eligible, what documents are required, and how the application process works.

Japan visa for indians

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Multiple-entry temporary Visitor Visa (tourism, business, visiting relatives)

For these purposes, you can get a visa validity of up to 5 years, and extend your maximum stay per visit for around 90 days.Permitted purposes: Tourism, business affairs (non-remunerative), Visiting relatives or acquaintancesThings that are not permitted: Paid employment, and revenue-generating business activities

Eligibility criteria for Indian nationals

Applicants must hold an ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP) or e-passport compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and fall under one of the following categories:

  • Frequent Japan visitors: Individuals who have travelled to Japan two or more times as a temporary visitor in the last three years
  • Prior Japan visit along with financial capacity: Individuals who have travelled to Japan at least once in the last three years
  • Must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover travel expenses
  • Japan and G7 travel history: Individuals with at least one Japan visit as a temporary visitor, and travel records to G7 countries (excluding Japan) within the last three years
  • Applicants with sufficient financial capacity: Individuals who can independently prove strong financial standing, even without recent Japan travel history
  • Family members: Spouse or children of applicants who qualify under Category 4 (sufficient financial capacity)

Documents required (Tourism / general multiple-entry visa)

japan visa application

For applicants with two or more Japan visits

  • Visa application form (with photograph)
  • Valid passport (MRP or e-passport only)
  • Current or old passport showing Japanese visas and entry stamps from the last three years
  • Proof of legal residence if applying outside India

For applicants with one Japan visit and financial capacity

  • Visa application form (with photograph)
  • Passport
  • Passport pages showing Japanese visa and entry stamp
  • Income tax returns or bank deposit certificate
  • Proof of legal residence if applying outside India

For applicants with Japan and G7 travel history

  • Visa application form (with photograph)
  • Passport
  • Passport pages showing visas and entry stamps for Japan and G7 countries
  • Proof of legal residence if applying outside India

For applicants applying based on financial capacity

  • Visa application form (with photograph)
  • Passport
  • Income Tax Returns
  • Additional financial proof may be requested, including bank balance certificates, stock dividends, pension or retirement benefits, inheritance documents, lease agreements, property deeds or real estate records, proof of legal residence if applying outside India

For spouse or children

  • Visa application form (with photograph)
  • Passport
  • Documents proving relationship
  • Financial documents of the primary applicant (if applying separately)
  • Copy of primary applicant’s passport and multiple-entry visa (if already issued)
  • Proof of legal residence if applying outside India

Note: Additional documents may be requested during examination. The Japanese mission reserves the right to issue a single-entry visa instead of a multiple-entry visa after review.Read more: Anand Mahindra wonders why the world is not visiting this unique travel destination, calls it heaven

Where to apply

Visa applications are accepted only at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General that has jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence.

Multiple-entry visa for business purposes and cultural or intellectual figures

This category is meant for professionals travelling for business or recognised cultural, academic, or intellectual activities.

Visa validity and stay

  • Validity: 1, 3, 5, or 10 years
  • Stay per visit: 15, 30, or 90 days
  • First visit: Must be for business or approved professional purpose
  • Subsequent visits: Can also be used for tourism or visiting relatives
  • Paid work: Not permitted

Eligibility: Business purpose applicants

Applicants (and their spouse or children) must fall under one of these categories:

  • Regular employee of a government or public-sector enterprise
  • Employee of a stock exchange–listed private company (India, Japan, or third country)
  • Employee of a Japanese-affiliated company that is a member of the Japan Chamber of Commerce
  • Employee of a listed company’s subsidiary, joint venture, or branch office
  • Employee of a company with continuous business transactions with a listed Japanese company
  • Employee with record of Japan business travel history and G7 travel history in the last three years
  • Employee with three or more Japan business visits in the last three years

Eligibility: Cultural or intellectual figures

Applicants (and their spouse or children) may qualify if they are:

  • Artists (fine art, literature, music, theatre, dance) or specialists in humanities or sciences with recognised achievements
  • Licensed professionals such as lawyers, chartered accountants, patent attorneys, doctors, or notaries actively practising
  • Amateur athletes with notable accomplishments
  • Full-time university professors, assistant professors, or lecturers
  • Directors or senior officials of public research institutions or museums
  • Members of parliament, government officials, or local government representatives

Read more: Indian runner sets Guinness record for fastest Manali–Leh run across high Himalayan passes, finishes under 100 hours

Documents required (business / cultural categories)

  • Passport
  • Visa application form (with photograph)
  • Documents proving eligibility under the relevant category
  • Employment certificate (where applicable)
  • Passport copies showing Japan and G7 travel history (if applying under travel-history categories)
  • Proof of relationship for spouse or children
  • Copy of the primary applicant’s passport and multiple-entry visa (if applying separately)

Important: Even under these categories, Japanese authorities may issue a single-entry visa after examination.

Key points to remember

  • Multiple-entry visas do not guarantee entry; immigration officers decide at arrival
  • Paid work or income-generating activity is strictly prohibited
  • All applications are subject to review, and additional documents may be requested



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Despite earning ₹1 crore a year, IT professional says he can’t afford a home in Gurgaon.“I genuinely don’t understand why… |


Despite earning ₹1 crore a year, IT professional says he can't afford a home in Gurgaon.“I genuinely don’t understand why...

“I genuinely don’t understand why the f**k property prices are so insanely high here when the city barely offers anything”, these are the words of a young professional struggling to buy a home. A recent Reddit discussion in the r/indianrealestate community (Naive-Awareness-6832) underscores the problems of buying homes in Gurugram (Gurgaon, Haryana) with raw honesty and hard hitting questions. It is not a rant, but a deeply human expression of irritation, confusion, and despair. These feelings are shared by thousands of middle-and upper-middle-class professionals who are doing everything “right,” and saving every penny to fulfill their dreams of ‘Home Sweet Home’. It’s a fact that Gurgaon, now officially Gurugram, has been marketed as India’s symbol of modern aspiration for years. From glass towers and high-rise societies and cyber hubs to prominent MNCs, the city has become a living embodiment of the “where ambition meets opportunity”. However, under this rosy image lies a growing sense of disillusionment (delulu), especially among first-time homebuyers. The deeper they get the more they discover the real condition of Gurgaon’s real estate.Impressive salary yet no home!In his Reddit post, the man shares,

Screenshot Reddit

Reddit

“Both of us together earn around 1 Cr per year. We’ve set our budget at 1.5 Cr, and we’re willing to stretch maybe to 1.7 Cr. And guess what? There is literally nothing worth even that money in Gurgaon.”So yes, on paper, he is a perfect homebuyer. He says that on paper, my situation looks comfortable. We have enough savings and we are also careful with money. Our budget is ₹1.5 crore, and at most, we are willing to stretch to ₹1.7 crore. But still there’s no home for them in Gurugram. He also compares his condition with his friends and gets disappointed because all of them have their own house. “Most of my friends in Pune and Noida have already bought homes, all under 1 Cr. One friend bought a 2 Cr apartment because she had ancestral property money. Meanwhile, here I am feeling completely left behind.”I never imagined that buying a home would make me feel this defeating. Yet here I am, months into house hunting, emotionally tired, confused, and questioning whether this city still makes sense.Only disappointments

Screenshot

Reddit

He further describes his ordeal and says that for months now, we have been visiting projects, meeting brokers, and walking through apartments that are supposed to justify their sky-high price tags. But what we are offered feels like an insult to our savings. “We’ve been searching for months and all brokers show us the same nonsense—either too old, too far, terrible construction quality, or no maintenance issues.”Who wants to pay for an too old, poorly maintained, and terribly mediocre house for the price tag. While new constructions offer luxury but deliver questionable quality. The condition is too disappointing. Somewhere it’s thin walls or poor ventilation and sometimes the quality of the material used is questionable. The city that charges high but gives nothing

Gurugram traffic

Canva

In his post, he further questions the city’s value and compares Gurugram with cities such as Bengaluru and Pune. He writes about his issues with the city and what troubles him the most is not just the price, but the absence of value. “I genuinely don’t understand why the f**k property prices are so insanely high here when the city barely offers anything. IT industry? Way better in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune. Infrastructure? Please. Roads? Don’t even get me started. Rainy season? Might as well buy a boat. Air ? polluted”He further mentions that he has lived in Bangalore and Pune before moving to Gurgaon. In those cities, the builders whose names inspire confidence—developers who care about quality, planning, and long-term livability. You know what you are paying for.In Gurgaon, “you can’t trust a single builder’s name”.Infrastructure here feels fragile. Roads flood every monsoon. Air quality is also bad. Winters bring toxic smog, and even the rest of the year feels heavy and polluted. And yet, Gurugram is among the most expensive real estate markets in India.Brokers, builders, and a broken market“This is a good deal for Gurgaon,” every time the broker says the same. Nobody talks about maintenance issues or construction quality. For a first-time homebuyer, this is emotionally draining. There’s no stability, or safety, or a sense of belonging.He further narrates his frustration with the narrative around cost of living. “Bangalore is more expensive.” When he moved from Bangalore to Gurgaon for work, he was told that salary adjustments were limited because Bangalore is more expensive.Misleading assumptionGurugram has a high cost of living. From rent and maintenance to schooling and healthcare, almost everything is costly. While the city has not much to offer at that price tag and that’s why it feels deeply unfair. Leave the cityIs leaving the city the only option left? This is the thought with which he ends the discussion. He shares his honest feelings of ‘Leaving’ this city and relocating for better. Reddit reacts:

Expensive real estate

Canva

Reddit user, Terrible-Pattern8933 asks him not to take it personally and think rationally:You need to understand how markets work and not take it personally. The same 1 CR flat you can easily buy in Pune, is totally unaffordable for someone who earns 10LPA in Pune. You see how that works?Commenting on the post, Reddit user Scary_Animal3938 said, Gurgaon, you are competing with big shots. Bengaluru Pune is more about IT only.



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The 7-year itch is real – But now it’s hitting in just 3 years: What changed about modern love?


The 7-year itch is real - But now it’s hitting in just 3 years: What changed about modern love?

Meet *Kanupriya, a 32-year-old marketing professional who is stepping up the corporate ladder. While her professional life is flourishing, she is growing her personal life from scratch– one connection at a time. Kanupriya married her colleague from a previous company after dating for a few months, but within the first two years of their marriage, things started going downhill. The duo got divorced and Kanupriya is now rebuilding her relationships and personal life.On the other hand, meet *Rahul, a 35-year-old engineer, opted for an arranged marriage just like most young men of his age. But as fate would have it, his marriage fizzled as soon as the initial sparks faded in his relationship. In roughly three years, he and his ex-wife opted out of the marriage on the grounds of incompatibility– something that neither side of the families ever saw coming.

Relationship Repair: Avoid These Common Communication Mistakes

Well, if you find this relatable or know of someone whose marriage frizzled even before it hit the 7-year-itch mark– then you aren’t alone. While modern relationships are complex, it seems that modern marriages, too, have become short-lived. So much so that couples seem to be parting ways as soon as that initial butterflies-in-your-stomach rush fades away and the quiet doubts creep in about “is he/she the right person?”If your relationship feels restless around year three – not seven – you’re not flawed or unlucky. You’re smack in the middle of modern love’s accelerated timeline. The classic 7-year itch, once a mid-marriage myth, now seems to arrive early, leaving couples emotionally drained even before they’ve started building a life together. In our app-driven, burnout-fueled 2026 world, what used to simmer for seven years, boils over in three. It’s heartbreaking, relatable, and the good part – fixable. Read on to know how modern relationships have now changed and how to make your marriage long-lasting:

What is the 7-year itch?

divorce

We truly seem to be living in a strange world it seems. At a time when couples are getting divorced over petty issues, a woman in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, India had recently filed for a divorce from her husband within only 18 months of her marriage. The reason? The wife told the Sharia court in Sambhal that her husband loved her “too much” and would not fight with her because of which she was “fed up”, according to Dainik Jagran. “Neither he [husband] ever shouted at me nor he ever disappointed me over any issue. I am feeling suffocated in such an environment… Whenever I make a mistake, he always forgives me for that. I wanted to argue with him,” she complained, as per the report.However, listening to her bizarre reason for divorce, the cleric of the Sharia court was not only baffled, but he also dismissed her plea, calling it frivolous. The woman had also approached the local panchayat for the same, but they too had refused to give a ruling on this matter!Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported by Khaleej Times sometime back when an Arab woman had sought divorce because her husband is “too nice and weak”, and never fought back with her! The couple were married for 12 years and had two children together.

Picture a sweaty Tony Curtis eyeing Marilyn Monroe’s skirt in the 1955 Hollywood movie ‘The Seven Year Itch’. That scene birthed the term: Around year seven, boredom breeds in relationships as passion cools and couples start taking each other for granted. Back then, psychologists tied it to biology – dopamine highs of early love dip into steady companionship, just long enough to raise kids. And divorce stats peaked at 4-7 years of a marriage.But now: The itch strikes at year three. Relationships and marriages today are no longer slow build-up – instead, considering the swipe-right world we live in, they feel like sprints that quickly lead to friction. Here’s why:

Why it happens

Blame the blitz. Relationships ignite at warp speed – no drawn-out dating phases. Emotional intimacy hits week one; boundaries blur by month three. While this might seem thrilling at first, but the fast pace is not sustainable in the long run. That early closeness exhausts the honeymoon phase of the relationship even before year three.Living-in together before marriage, adds fuel to it. How? A 2018 study by Rosenfeld & Roesler found that premarital cohabitation lowers divorce risk only in year 1 but raises it thereafter (up to 15-20% higher odds long-term), due to adjustment shocks. Then, comes technoference, where phones (read technology) steal presence. A 2025 Journal of Digital Social Behavior studyfound “technoference” (phone distractions) as the top counselling complaint, accelerating disconnection in couples by year 3.Add burnout and stress due to work, endless dating-app options, financial burdens, and shifting gender roles, sparking “who’ll do the household chores” negotiations– and relationships/ marriages are easily crumbling today. And so, modern love seems like a pressure cooker on fast-forward.

Symptoms to look out for

It sneaks up soft, then stabs. The very first sign is disconnection: Side-by-side silences feel lonely. Routine suffocates – intimacy on Saturdays feel mundane, talks about household chores feels like a duty. Irritability spikes over trivia; resentment simmers (“Why am I always initiating?”). And in your heart, you feel trapped in the marriage; being solo sounds exciting again.

How to fix it

Breathe – this isn’t doom-scrolling your way out. First, pause the pace: Name the itch aloud. “Hey, we’re hitting that wall- it’s time to reconnect”. Vulnerability disarms it. Rediscover solo joy – gym, hobbies, friends – to refill your cup, not drain your partner’s.Add the spark back to your marriage by interrupting routines, and planning spontaneous dates. Have no-phone dinners, “joy jars” with wild ideas, and rebuild intimacy.For deeper issues in your marriage, couples counselling can help flip the scripts. Seek therapy proactively and not just as a last resort. Prioritise your growth together by having shared goals.How are you bringing the joy back into your marriage? Tell us in the comment section below.*Names have been changed to protect people’s identities



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When love feels like work: Are we treating relationships like dead-end jobs? |


When love feels like work: Are we treating relationships like dead-end jobs?

Remember the feeling of butterflies in your stomach in the early stages of your relationship? Or the spark you felt when you first held hands or shared a kiss? But now, after years of being together, does being with your partner feel normal– like you are staying with a housemate? As a couple, most of your ‘we-time’ has turned into scheduling some alone time amid kids’ classes, decoding each other’s passive-aggressive sighs, or negotiating whose turn it is to do the household chores. Love now feels like a second shift after a hectic day at work– complete with performance reviews that often sound like “We need to talk…” and hardly any vacation days. If this is how your relationship has transformed, then worry not, as you are not alone. In our hustle-obsessed world, most people end up treating their relationships like dead-end jobs – clocking in together time, calling home, and wondering if the relationship will last long. But why? And how do we get out of this relationship rut before resentment wins over your bond?

Why relationships feel like dead-end jobs

Picture your partnership as that entry-level office job you took “just for now.” Early days were electric with late nights laughing over takeout, dreaming big, having goals together. Fast-forward to the present day, after years of being together: Chores pile up, conflicts repeat on loop, and intimacy is something you hardly have. Also, when reality hits, romance dwindles over time: Dual incomes, ageing parents, endless notifications. Most couples simply get bogged down with life’s challenges– they aren’t fighting, but simply existing. No wonder then that “gray divorces” have spiked among people over-50s, as many empty-nesters realise they’ve been roommates, not lovers for so long.

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Warning signs to watch out for

Here we list some warning signs to watch out for in your relationship that signal your connection needs more time and attention:1. The monotony: Conversations stuck on logistics (“Who’s getting the groceries?” Or “Who will pay the bills?”), starved of dreams or desire.2. Scorekeeping: Every favour is tallied like overtime hours, breeding scorecards (“I cooked last time!”).3. Resentment: That sigh when they forget your coffee order? It’s not petty; it’s exhaustion signalling unmet needs.4. Physical touch and intimacy have reached an all-time low, or they feel like mandatory team-building tasks.The worst is when you look forward to alone time instead of planning a date night!Relationship experts call it “relationship burnout.” Just like job fatigue, relationship burnout happens from work/ chores overload without any recharge time.Another reason for many relationships falling apart these days is that most people try to extract joy instead of sharing it with their partner, famous spiritual guru Sadhguru once said in a video. That’s turning partners into fixers and reducing happiness in our relationships. But when people start giving more in their relationship and to their partner, then it helps build long-lasting relationships.

How to bring the spark back in your relationships

If your relationship feels like a chore, then worry not, as the good news is: Unlike a toxic boss, you can rewrite the script in a marriage. Start raw – schedule a “no-agenda” walk, talk about your fears and problems without fixing them. Being vulnerable to your partner helps reconnect and bring the spark back into your life.Also, fill your cup first before pouring it. Rediscover joy solo first: Hit the gym, journal your thoughts and feelings. People who are happy share their abundance, not voids, with their partners.And, protect and prioritise your “us time”.Remember, relationships aren’t jobs – they’re gardens needing daily tending. When love feels laborious, it’s a cue that you need to nurture your relationship. Reclaim romance in your relationship as rebellion against grind culture. That initial magic? It’s reclaimable – with one intentional step at a time.



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Top 5 real estate hotspots in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in 2026



The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to be India’s one of the most-sought after real estate markets in 2026. Despite all odds, demand for residential properties across MMR has remained steady. The reason behind would be infrastructure upgrades, new employment corridors, and a growing interest for planned urban living. From homebuyers to investors, all are looking beyond traditional city limits to locate within an affordable range and also seeking better connectivity.

MMR’s advantage lies in its diversity and stretches across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Panvel, among others. Based on reports, the MMR has an attractive real estate outlook for 2026 which is supported by demand, infrastructure expansion and housing options.

On this note, let’s have a look at top 5 real estate hotspots in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in 2026:

(Information and reference insights sourced from Adani Realty Blog – Real Estate Outlook)
(Canva)



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