Sachin Sharma

Category: Opinion

Everything I write is my honest opinion based on my personal experience.

  • The Price of Love: What it Takes to Make an Indian Marriage Work

    The Price of Love: What it Takes to Make an Indian Marriage Work

    Marriage is a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and compromise. Whether it’s a love marriage or an arranged one, once you get hitched, you are in for a wild ride. Some of the sacrifices you may have to make might not be easy, but they are necessary to keep the marriage going strong. In this article, we’ll take a look at eight common sacrifices that Indians make after getting married.

    Letting go of passions

    In our pre-marriage days, we all have something that we are passionate about – be it travel, sports, adventure, or collecting things. But after getting married, many of us feel the need to let go of our passions to settle down with our significant other.

    Eating habits

    Food is a big deal in any marriage. You may have to adjust your eating habits to accommodate your partner’s preferences. For example, if you are a non-vegetarian and your partner is a vegetarian, you may have to give up your favorite meat dishes. If you are a north Indian and your partner is from the south, you may have to adjust your diet to suit both of your palates.

    Fashion sense

    Your fashion sense may change after you get married, especially for women. You may feel the need to switch from a more casual style to a more formal and modest one. Observe your married friends, and you’ll notice the difference in the way they dress after tying the knot.

    Spending habits

    Gone are the days of splurging on expensive bikes or clothes without a second thought. After getting married, you may feel financially insecure, and it becomes important to prioritize your expenses according to your income. This means cutting back on frivolous spending to save for the future.

    Friendships

    Maintaining friendships after marriage can be challenging. Your priorities change, and you may have to put your partner first. You can still hang out with your old buddies, but you can’t be in constant contact with them every weekend. Making your partner your top priority is a sacrifice you may have to make for your marriage to work.

    Ex-partners

    Staying in touch with exes after a breakup can cause tension in your marriage. It’s best to cut ties with them and avoid any potential complications.

    Affinity to family

    It’s important to maintain a good relationship with your parents and siblings, but once you get married, your spouse takes precedence. You may have to make the sacrifice of giving them less time and attention to make room for your partner in your life.

    Daily habits

    Finally, you may have to change your daily habits to accommodate your partner. This includes cleaning up after yourself, not wearing the same clothes for a week, and being a responsible partner.

    Making sacrifices for your marriage may seem daunting, but it’s all worth it in the end. A strong and loving marriage is a beautiful thing, and the sacrifices you make will only make it stronger. So, embrace the changes, compromise, and enjoy the journey.

  • From Sunrise to Success: The Morning Habits of Highly Successful People

    From Sunrise to Success: The Morning Habits of Highly Successful People

    Good morning, sunshine! Are you ready to kickstart your day? Do you want to know what separates highly successful people from the rest of us? It’s not just luck or a magical gene. It’s how they start their mornings that sets them apart. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top three things that successful people avoid doing in the morning, and how you can implement these habits in your own life.

    Scrolling Through Your Phone

    Alarm goes off. You reach for your phone. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, for most of us, our phone doubles as an alarm clock, and the first thing we do when we wake up is check it for notifications, messages, and emails. This might seem harmless, but it can actually have a significant impact on your day. When you first wake up, your brain is fresh and relaxed, ready to tackle the day’s challenges. But if you immediately start scrolling through your phone, you’re putting your brain in overdrive and bombarding it with information. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress, and it can set a negative tone for the rest of the day.

    The solution? Put your phone down and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Take a moment to reflect on the day ahead, and think about your goals and priorities. This simple habit can make a huge difference in your productivity and overall well-being.

    Skipping Breakfast

    We’ve all been there. You’re running late, you have a long to-do list, and you just can’t seem to find the time for breakfast. But skipping breakfast is a mistake that can cost you big time. It’s not just a cliche that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it’s scientifically proven. After a long night of fasting, your body needs fuel to start the day. If you skip breakfast, you’re depriving yourself of food for more than 12 hours. This can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, leading to feelings of dizziness, fatigue, and low energy. And that’s not even considering the fact that your brain needs glucose to process information and stay alert.

    A healthy breakfast can provide the energy you need to power through the day and improve your mood. So don’t skip it – your success may depend on it!

    Failing to Plan Your Day

    Do you have a system for planning your day? Do you make a list of tasks and prioritize them in order of importance? If not, you’re missing out on a crucial habit of successful people. Planning your day may seem like an extra step, but it can make all the difference in your productivity and success. By making a list of tasks and prioritizing them, you’re preparing yourself mentally for the day ahead. This can help you stay focused, keep track of your progress, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    You don’t need a pen and paper to plan your day – there are plenty of apps that can help you do it, like OneNote. So make a plan, and take control of your day!

    In conclusion, starting your day right is key to achieving success. By avoiding these three habits, you can set yourself up for a productive, successful day. So put down your phone, eat a healthy breakfast, and make a plan – your future self will thank you!

  • The Dark Side of Emotions: How “Hurt” Sentiments Fuel Injustice and Division

    The Dark Side of Emotions: How “Hurt” Sentiments Fuel Injustice and Division

    As Indians, we often judge people and things based on appearances alone, without fully understanding the situation. Our brains are wired to make quick conclusions. But when it comes to caste or religion, our perceptions can change in a dramatic way. We may suddenly feel compelled to defend our own caste or religion, even if we are not directly involved. This can lead to taking things personally and not being able to let go until the situation subsides.

    Recently, there were incidents in the state of Haryana involving the blocking of roads and railways, aggressive attacks causing damage to public property, theft from ATMs, and the setting of shops and malls on fire, all in response to the “Jat Agitation” demand for reservation. The national media was covering these events extensively.

    I wrote a Facebook post condemning the incidents and the demand for reservation by the Jats, who are known for being royal and rich, but are neither socially nor economically backward. To my surprise, some of my Facebook friends who are Jats started defending and justifying the protests. One of them even called me to ask if I was following a politician who was speaking out against the demand for reservation. I told them that I don’t have to follow anyone to see that what was happening was wrong and to speak out against it.

    What was interesting was that these friends who were defending the riots were not even participating in the protests. Some of them had previously spoken out against the idea of reservation. But now that their caste was demanding reservation, they suddenly had a change of heart.

    There were a few who spoke out against the riots, regardless of their caste, but the majority of people criticized them for bringing shame to their caste, as if the agitators weren’t already doing that. It’s difficult to understand how anyone could justify blocking a road, let alone the more aggressive acts that took place, just to demand reservation for one caste. It causes inconvenience to innocent people who have no part in this reservation controversy.

    Why is it that our caste or religion is more important to us than humanity and the greater good of people? I can’t help but wonder what would happen if people from ISIS or other terrorist organizations were of the same caste as my friends. They would likely cry every time a terrorist was hanged by the law and protest against it, just like they did for the reservation.

    This is why politicians are able to win elections through their dirty politics of caste and religion. It’s our emotional attachment to our caste or religion that is the biggest obstacle to our country’s development. We are the biggest fools in this conspiracy to keep people divided by caste and religion, but one thing is for sure – we won’t change.

  • My Childhood Excuse That Became a Running Joke

    My Childhood Excuse That Became a Running Joke

    Growing up in 2006, my friend Vinesh (or Vinna, as we liked to call him) and I were two young and carefree teenagers who just wanted to enjoy life. Our 12th board exams were fast approaching, and we had to attend Math tuition every day to improve our weakest subject. Our ride was a daily 4 km bicycle journey from our homes to the tuition center.

    Our parents were strict, always reminding us that we had to study hard for the board exams. But for us, being stuck inside with books felt like a prison sentence. So, whenever we could, we would leave home early and return late, just to spend more time outside of the house. We lived in neighboring areas, so our daily commute was always a joint one.

    On the way back home, we would pass by a railway crossing that was often closed to vehicles due to the high frequency of trains on that route. However, being impatient young Indians, we would cross it on our bicycles without any trouble. We would even stop our bikes at the crossing and watch the trains go by, debating on their estimated speeds. Sometimes, we would wait for one or two more trains to pass, just so we could extend our discussions a little longer.

    One day, we got carried away and were so late getting back home that it was already dark. When my parents asked why I was late, I quickly came up with the first excuse that popped into my head: “The railway crossing post was closed for too long. Even between the trains, they didn’t open it. That’s why I am so late.”

    To my surprise, my parents seemed to believe me. The next day, I told Vinna about my clever excuse and how I had managed to avoid trouble. But before I could finish my story, he pointed out the obvious flaw: “We were on bicycles, you idiot. We could have crossed the post even if it had been closed for real. Why would we just wait and watch the trains?”

    I was stunned by my own stupidity and couldn’t believe that my parents hadn’t noticed the flaw in my excuse. Vinna and I laughed and laughed about my foolishness until our stomachs ached. To this day, whenever we talk about that incident, we can’t help but laugh.

    Those really were the days! A time when we were carefree, fearless, and just enjoying the ride. I will always cherish the memories of that time, and the running joke that was born from my childhood excuse.

  • Apology 101: What Not to Do When Owning Up to Your Mistakes

    Apology 101: What Not to Do When Owning Up to Your Mistakes

    Apologizing isn’t always easy, but it’s an important part of being a responsible adult. Unfortunately, some people still don’t know how to do it properly. If you’re guilty of any of these apology faux pas, it’s time to take note and step up your game.

    First things first, never apologize via messaging. Sure, it’s convenient, but it’s also impersonal and can come off as insincere. If you’ve made a mistake, be a grown-up and face the person you’re apologizing to in person.

    Another big no-no is apologizing through a mutual friend. This is just a coward’s way out. When you apologize in person, your expressions and body language can speak louder than words, so don’t hide behind a third party.

    Some people like to give a long explanation before they apologize, but this is a bad idea. If you’re apologizing, it means you know you’ve done something wrong, so just own up to it and say you’re sorry. No need for a long-winded explanation.

    Another mistake people make is apologizing as if it’s a favor. This is just arrogant and sends the message that you don’t really think you did anything wrong. Remember, apologizing doesn’t make you any less of a person.

    Last but not least, don’t be the person who apologizes in the next lifetime. If you’ve made a mistake, don’t wait around to apologize. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the other person will have moved on and won’t accept your apology.

    In conclusion, apologizing is an essential part of being a responsible adult. It’s important to know how to do it properly, and avoid common mistakes. Remember, if you’ve made a mistake, own up to it and apologize in person with a sincere heart.

  • Finding Innocence in a Cynical World: Why It Matters

    Finding Innocence in a Cynical World: Why It Matters

    I was on my way to a work meeting and had some time to kill, so I decided to stand on the side of the road and people watch. As I was standing there, I couldn’t help but think about all the meetings I’ve had that haven’t gone as well as I’d hoped. I was feeling pretty cynical and not too confident about the meeting I was about to have.

    But then something funny happened. A little girl, probably around 7 or 8 years old, appeared next to me. She looked worried and confused. I ignored her at first, but then she touched my hand and asked if I saw anything. I looked where she was pointing and saw that a bird had pooped on her shoulder. I couldn’t help but laugh, and the little girl looked embarrassed.

    She asked me to clean it off with water from her bottle, which I did. But it didn’t really do the trick. She looked worried again and asked how she was going to clean it. I suggested using a piece of paper, but she said her teacher would get mad if she tore something out of her notebook. So, I looked around and found an empty medicine box and tore off a piece of hard paper from it. I cleaned her shoulder and she thanked me before running off to meet her mom.

    That little interaction made me feel so much better. It was a reminder that even in a cynical world, a little bit of innocence can go a long way. And as a result, I walked into that meeting feeling more in control and positive. And it went really well. So, thanks little girl for reminding me to keep things in perspective.

    It’s easy to get caught up in the cynicism of the world, especially when it comes to work and meeting new people. But sometimes, all it takes is a small moment of innocence to remind us that there’s still good in the world and that we should never lose hope.

    In this case, it was a small schoolgirl who reminded me of this. Her innocence made me realize that I was taking everything too seriously. It was a small moment, but it had a big impact on my day.

    It’s important to remember that these moments of innocence can be found anywhere and at any time. Sometimes, all it takes is a small change in perspective to see them. And when we do, it can completely change our mood and outlook on life.

    So the next time you’re feeling cynical and down, try to find a moment of innocence in your day. It might just be the thing that brings a smile to your face and helps you see the world in a different light. And who knows, it might even make your meeting or your day go a little better.

  • Indian Men Online: A Wake-Up Call for Change

    Indian Men Online: A Wake-Up Call for Change

    It’s a sad reality, but many Indian men who try to connect with women from other countries on social media often face rejection. As soon as a woman finds out that the man trying to talk to her is Indian, she often chooses to avoid him. This can be frustrating for Indian men who are polite and respectful in their interactions with women, but unfortunately it’s a common experience due to the actions of other Indian men.

    Recently, an American woman decided to share her experience with Indian men online in an effort to shed some light on the situation. This woman, who loves to travel in India but doesn’t have a preference for Indian men, shared her thoughts with brutal honesty.

    She explains that on her social media pages, she is primarily approached by Indian men of all ages, states, religions, education levels, and jobs. And unfortunately, her experience has been that many of these men immediately ask personal and inappropriate questions.

    Some common questions include asking about what she is wearing, if her husband is home, if she gets along well with her husband, if she is currently in bed, and when she lost her virginity. These questions are often followed by even more inappropriate and offensive comments and requests.

    The woman goes on to explain that unfortunately, many American women will block these men at this point, as it is very offensive to be asked these types of questions. She also notes that Indian men will often ask to see photos, including requests for specific types of photos such as cleavage shots and images of her in jeans.

    The woman shares that she continues to engage with these men, despite their offensive behavior, because she believes that they are better than this. She feels that by patiently teaching them and helping them to understand the errors in their thinking, she can help them improve.

    The woman also points out the hypocrisy in the way that Indian men view Indian women versus white women. She notes that Indian men often view Indian women as “goddesses” and “pillars” who deserve respect, while viewing white women as objects for sexual gratification.

    It’s important to recognize that this woman’s experience is just one perspective, but it’s a valuable one that highlights the offensive and disrespectful behavior of some Indian men towards women online. It’s crucial for all of us to be aware of this and to actively work to change this behavior, by calling out and educating those who engage in it.

  • The Truth About Love: 6 Cultural Misconceptions

    The Truth About Love: 6 Cultural Misconceptions

    Love is a beautiful thing, but it can also be complicated. There are many cultural misconceptions about love that can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment. These misconceptions can come from movies, TV shows, books, and even our own families and friends. It’s important to understand these misconceptions so that you can have a more realistic view of love and relationships.

    1. The Myth of Automatically Finding “The One”

    One of the most common myths about love is the existence of “the one” for everyone. This is a myth that can be harmful to relationships because it creates unrealistic expectations. People often believe that they will immediately know when they meet “the one” who is going to be their soulmate. While it is possible to feel an instant attraction to someone, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the right person for you. Attraction is usually just sexual or romantic in nature and choosing a life partner is much more complex than just feeling romantic about someone.

    To truly know if someone is right for you, you need to get to know them on a deeper level. You need to understand their values, goals, and personality. You need to see how they interact with your family and friends. You need to see how they handle difficult situations and if they have the strength of character to go the distance with you.

    In addition, it’s important to understand that nobody is perfect. Even if you find someone who seems to be perfect for you, they will have flaws and imperfections just like everyone else. It’s important to accept and love them for who they are, warts and all.

    2. The Myth of “Meant To Be”

    Another common myth about love is that it is something that brings two people together who are “meant to be” together. This is not true. Love is a mutual decision between two people. It takes a lot of effort and compromise to make it work. The myth of “meant to be” can create the idea that if two people are meant to be together, every problem that arises will be easily resolved. This is not the case in real life. Research shows that 67% of conflicts between couples do not get resolved. Problems need to be addressed and worked through in

    order to make a relationship successful. It’s important to understand that love takes work and it’s not always easy.

    3. The Myth of Immediate Familiarity

    Another myth is that if you feel like you have known someone for a long time, even if you’re meeting them for the first time, they must be the one for you. This is not always the case. Sometimes people just have a lot in common and it can create a sense of familiarity, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are the one for you. It’s important to take the time to get to know someone before jumping to conclusions about a potential relationship.

    4. The Myth of the Love Story in Movies

    Movies and TV shows often depict love as a fairy tale with a happy ending. They show us a dreamy picture of love that can create unrealistic expectations. In reality, love is not always easy and it’s important to understand that the love stories in movies are not always reflective of real life.

    5. The Myth of Love Being All Butterflies and Rainbows

    Love is a wonderful thing, but it’s not always butterflies and rainbows. There will be tough times and challenges to overcome. It’s important to understand that love takes work and it’s not always easy. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be amazing.

    6. The Myth of Love Should Be Easy

    Love takes work, but it’s worth it. It’s not always easy, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be amazing.

    It’s important to understand that love is a journey, not a destination. Have realistic expectations and understand that love takes work. Everyone’s journey with love is different and unique. Love is a complex and nuanced thing so approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.

    Always remember that you are in charge of your own happiness and well-being. You can’t rely on someone else to fulfill all your emotional needs. Have a sense of self-worth and independence.

    You need to understand that not everyone will have the same experience of love or that everyone will have the same definition of love. Everyone is different and it’s important to respect and honor that.

    Having realistic expectations can help you navigate the complexities of relationships and find the love that is right for you.

  • 10 Things Holding You Back From Happiness and How to Let Go

    10 Things Holding You Back From Happiness and How to Let Go

    Are you feeling stuck and unable to find happiness in your life? You might be holding on to things that are preventing you from reaching your full potential. Here are 10 things that might be holding you back from happiness and how to let them go:

    1. Let go of trying to please everyone

    Often times, we find ourselves doing things to please others, whether it’s going along with plans they’ve made for us or living up to their expectations. However, this can be detrimental to our own happiness and well-being. According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, people who prioritize others’ needs over their own report lower levels of happiness and well-being. It’s important to remember that you deserve to live your life on your own terms and make choices that align with your own values and goals.

    2. Let go of procrastination

    Procrastination can be a major obstacle to achieving our goals and finding happiness. When we put things off, we miss out on opportunities and may end up feeling stressed and overwhelmed. According to a study by the University of London, people who procrastinate have higher levels of stress and lower overall well-being. To combat this, try setting small, attainable goals and taking action towards them immediately. Break large tasks into manageable chunks and create a schedule to stay on track.

    3. Let go of fear and pressure

    Fear and pressure can hold us back from taking risks and trying new things. They can also cause us to feel anxious and stressed. A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who experience high levels of stress have a greater risk of developing chronic health conditions. To overcome this, try practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally, remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that failure is a necessary part of growth and learning.

    4. Let go of self-loathing thoughts

    Self-loathing thoughts are negative and harmful to your mental and emotional well-being. These thoughts can make you feel worthless, undeserving of love, and not good enough. However, it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and no one is perfect. Instead of focusing on your flaws, focus on your strengths and the things that you have accomplished. Surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up and support you. Also, practice self-compassion, which means being kind and understanding towards yourself.

    5. Let go of the past

    Holding onto past experiences can prevent you from moving forward and enjoying the present. The past is gone and can’t be changed, so it’s important to let go of old grudges and regrets. Instead, focus on the present moment and make the most of it. Practice mindfulness and gratitude, which can help you to appreciate the present moment and let go of the past.

    6. Let go of perfectionism

    Perfectionism is the belief that everything must be perfect, and anything less is unacceptable. This mindset can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, and prevent you from enjoying the present moment. Instead, focus on progress and learning from your mistakes. Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of life, and it’s okay to not be perfect.

    7. Let go of holding grudges

    Holding grudges takes up a lot of mental energy and can lead to negative emotions like anger and resentment. Holding grudges can also lead to physical health problems such as increased blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Instead, practice forgiveness and let go of grudges. Forgiveness can lead to feelings of peace and happiness.

    8. Let go of comparisons

    Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Everyone has their own unique journey and it’s important to focus on your own progress and not compare yourself to others. Instead, celebrate your own achievements and be proud of who you are.

    9. Let go of toxic relationships

    Being in a toxic relationship can lead to feelings of unhappiness and low self-worth. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Let go of relationships that bring negativity and drama into your life. It may be difficult, but it will be worth it in the long run.

    10. Let go of negativity

    Negative thoughts and attitudes can lead to feelings of unhappiness and depression. Let go of negative thoughts and focus on the positive things in your life. Surround yourself with positivity and practice gratitude. This will help you to see the good in every situation and lead to a happier life.

    Happiness is a state of mind and it’s important to let go of things that hold us back from achieving it. This allows us to open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences that will lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. Remember to always put yourself first and trust in your abilities and dreams.

  • Breaking Barriers: Why Sunny Leone Deserves Equal Respect as Any Other Celebrity in India

    Breaking Barriers: Why Sunny Leone Deserves Equal Respect as Any Other Celebrity in India

    Sunny Leone is a famous Bollywood actress and businesswoman, but some people in India don’t think she deserves respect because of her past career in the adult film industry. But that’s not fair! Just because she used to be in porn movies doesn’t mean she’s not a hardworking and talented person.

    Lots of people watch porn, but they don’t like to admit it in public. Sunny Leone is just being honest about it, and she’s really good at her job. She’s also a professional, just like other famous actors and actresses in India. And she’s a good person too – she wouldn’t shoot a movie scene if she thought it would be bad for kids to see.

    Some people say that Sunny Leone is bad for Indian culture, but that’s not true either. People have been watching porn for a long time, way before the internet existed. According to Dr. Chauntelle Tibbals, a sociologist and expert on the adult film industry, “Pornography is a normal and natural part of human sexuality, and it has been present in all cultures throughout history. It is not something that can or should be blamed for negative societal outcomes.” And lots of Indian movies and TV shows have adult scenes too. It’s not fair to blame everything on one person.

    We should respect Sunny Leone for who she is, and not judge her based on her past career. It’s not fair to call her names or say she’s bad for India. Everyone deserves a chance to live their life the way they want to, and Sunny Leone is no different.

    There are many other instances where famous people have broken barriers and overcome stereotypes in their respective fields. For example, Oprah Winfrey, who is now a media mogul and philanthropist, grew up in poverty and faced discrimination as a black woman in the media industry. However, she broke through these barriers to become one of the most influential and successful people in the world.

    Similarly, Ellen DeGeneres, a popular talk show host and LGBTQ+ rights activist, faced discrimination and even lost her job in the entertainment industry for coming out as gay. But she persevered and now has her own successful talk show and is a respected and loved figure in the industry.

    These examples show that it is possible to break barriers and overcome stereotypes, no matter how difficult it may seem. As Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor and author, says, “You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.” It is important to recognize and respect the struggles and achievements of those who have broken barriers and overcome stereotypes, regardless of their past or present circumstances. And this applies to everyone, including Sunny Leone.