Marriage Counsellor and Psychologist Shivani Misri Sadhoo

Love has always been expressed through gestures—flowers, handwritten notes, jewellery, and shared experiences. Yet, among all these tokens, chocolate holds a unique emotional and cultural place. Across countries, generations, and celebrations, chocolate has become deeply linked with romance, affection, and emotional warmth.

From Valentine’s Day gift boxes to wedding favours and anniversary treats, chocolate is more than just a dessert—it is a universal language of love. Its rich taste, comforting texture, and historical significance all contribute to its status as the ultimate symbol of romance and connection, says Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is a leading couples therapist and relationship counsellor in Delhi and India.

A Historical Connection Between Chocolate and Romance

Chocolate’s association with love dates back centuries. Ancient civilisations like the Mayans and Aztecs considered cacao sacred. It was often used in rituals and was believed to provide strength and vitality. Later, in Europe, chocolate became a luxury item associated with royalty and indulgence—both closely tied to passion and desire.

By the 19th century, beautifully designed chocolate boxes became popular gifts during romantic occasions, especially Valentine’s Day. This tradition strengthened chocolate’s emotional meaning and helped turn it into a symbol of affection.

The Science Behind Chocolate and Feel-Good Emotions

Chocolate is not just emotionally symbolic—it also has biological effects that support its romantic reputation. It contains compounds like phenylethylamine (PEA), which is linked to feelings of attraction and excitement. It also helps release serotonin and dopamine, chemicals associated with happiness and pleasure. When people eat chocolate, they often feel comforted, relaxed, and joyful. This natural mood enhancement makes chocolate a perfect gift for expressing love, care, and appreciation.

Chocolate as a Universal Gift

One of the biggest reasons chocolate represents love is its universal acceptance. Unlike gifts that require personal sizing, styling, or preferences, chocolate is widely loved across cultures and age groups. It is suitable for romantic partners, family members, friends, and even colleagues.

This versatility makes it an easy yet meaningful way to express emotions. Whether it’s a simple chocolate bar or a premium handcrafted assortment, the message remains the same—someone cared enough to give you something sweet and special.

The Sensory Experience of Chocolate

Chocolate creates a multi-sensory emotional experience. Its aroma, smooth texture, and melting quality contribute to feelings of comfort and indulgence. The act of sharing chocolate also creates bonding moments. Couples often share desserts, gift chocolates during celebrations, or associate certain chocolates with memories. These sensory and emotional associations strengthen chocolate’s symbolic link with love and intimacy.

Chocolate in Modern Romantic Culture

Today, chocolate plays a major role in romantic marketing and celebrations. Valentine’s Day sales revolve heavily around chocolates. Luxury brands design heart-shaped boxes, personalised assortments, and themed packaging focused on romance.

Social media and pop culture also reinforce chocolate as a love symbol, often portraying it as a sweet expression of feelings when words are not enough. This consistent cultural messaging keeps chocolate strongly connected to romance.

Emotional Meaning Beyond Romance

While chocolate is strongly linked with romantic love, it also represents comfort, gratitude, and emotional support. People gift chocolate during celebrations, apologies, achievements, and even difficult times. This emotional flexibility makes chocolate a broader symbol of human connection and care, not just romantic affection.

Chocolate’s status as the ultimate symbol of love comes from a combination of history, science, culture, and emotional experience. It connects people through pleasure, comfort, and shared moments. Whether gifted during grand romantic gestures or simple everyday acts of kindness, chocolate continues to represent warmth, affection, and emotional closeness. In a world where expressions of love can sometimes feel complicated, chocolate remains a simple, sweet, and timeless way to say, “You matter to me.”

Modern dating has become faster, more intense, and emotionally charged. While deep conversations and big promises may feel exciting early on, not all future-focused talk comes from genuine intentions. One increasingly common toxic dating pattern is future faking—a behaviour that creates emotional attachment through promises that are never meant to be kept. Understanding this pattern is essential to protect your emotional well-being and make healthier relationship choices, explains Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is a top couples and relationship therapist in India.

What Is the Future Faking in a Relationship?

Future faking in a relationship refers to when someone talks extensively about a shared future—marriage, moving in together, children, travel plans, or long-term commitment—without having any real intention of following through. These promises are often used to gain trust, speed up emotional intimacy, or keep a partner invested, especially when the relationship lacks consistent actions.

Future faking is not the same as hopeful planning or normal relationship discussions. The key difference lies in behaviour. In healthy relationships, future plans are supported by consistent effort, accountability, and emotional availability. In future faking, words are big, but actions are minimal or absent.

Why Future Faking Is Toxic?

Future faking can be emotionally damaging because it creates false hope. The person on the receiving end may invest time, energy, and emotional vulnerability based on promises that never materialise. Over time, this leads to confusion, self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional dependency. It is often seen in narcissistic or emotionally unavailable partners, though not exclusively.

5 Signs to Spot Future Faking in Dating

1. Big Promises Very Early

One of the clearest signs of future faking is intense future talk at an early stage of dating. Statements like “You’re the one,” “I want to marry you,” or “I see my whole life with you” within weeks can feel flattering, but they often lack a realistic foundation. Genuine connection takes time to build; rushed promises are a red flag.

2. Words Don’t Match Actions

A future faker may talk about commitment but avoid taking real steps—meeting family, defining the relationship, or making consistent plans. They might promise trips, moving in together, or engagement, yet constantly delay or change the topic when action is required. This gap between words and behaviour is a core indicator.

3. Promises Appear During Conflict

Future faking often intensifies when the relationship is at risk. If every argument is followed by grand promises—“We’ll be happy soon,” “I’ll change,” “Our future will be amazing”—but nothing actually improves, it’s likely being used as a control tactic to prevent you from leaving.

4. Vague or Shifting Timelines

Another sign of future faking in relationships is unclear timelines. Plans are always “someday,” “soon,” or “when things settle down.” When you ask for clarity, the answers remain evasive. Healthy partners can discuss realistic timelines, even if they are flexible.

5. You Feel Confused, Not Secure

Perhaps the most important sign is how the relationship makes you feel. Future faking creates emotional highs followed by disappointment. Instead of feeling secure and grounded, you feel anxious, uncertain, and constantly waiting for the future to begin. A healthy relationship provides stability, not emotional whiplash.

How to Protect Yourself?

To avoid falling into a future faking pattern, focus less on promises and more on consistent behavior. Observe whether actions align with words over time. Set boundaries, ask clear questions, and trust patterns—not potential. If someone truly wants a future with you, their effort will be visible without needing constant reassurance.

Future faking in relationships can be subtle, charming, and deeply misleading. While talking about the future is natural, it should always be supported by present-day commitment. Recognizing the signs early can save you from emotional exhaustion and help you choose partners who offer real connection, not just beautiful words.

Dating apps have changed how people in India meet and form relationships. What was once considered taboo is now widely accepted, especially among urban youth and working professionals. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and several Indian platforms promise convenience, choice, and compatibility.

However, along with opportunities for genuine connections, dating apps also carry serious risks. Being aware of common warning signs, potential dangers, and essential safety practices is crucial for anyone navigating online dating in India, says Shivani Misri Sadhoo who is an experienced couples and relationship counselor in Delhi, India.

Why Are Dating Apps in Demand in India?

Dating apps are growing rapidly in India due to changing social dynamics and digital accessibility. Young adults today value independence and prefer choosing their partners based on shared interests and personal compatibility rather than traditional matchmaking systems.

Another key factor is lifestyle change. Long working hours, remote jobs, and migration to new cities make it difficult to meet people organically. Dating apps provide a fast and convenient way to connect without relying on social circles.

Increased smartphone usage and affordable internet have also played a major role. Dating apps are no longer limited to metro cities; users from tier-2 and tier-3 cities are actively joining these platforms.

Lastly, dating apps offer flexibility and control. Users can decide whom to talk to, what information to share, and when to disengage, making online dating appealing to people who prefer privacy and autonomy.

Warning Signs and Dangers of Using Dating Apps in India

India’s leading couples therapist and relationship counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo, asks to watch out for these warning signs:

Fake Profiles and Catfishing

One of the most common risks on dating apps is encountering fake profiles. Scammers often use stolen or heavily edited photos and fabricate personal details to appear trustworthy. Over time, they build emotional connections and eventually ask for money, favors, or sensitive information.

Financial Fraud and Romance Scams

Financial scams are a serious issue in India. Fraudsters may pretend to be business professionals, army officers, or NRIs and lure users into fake investments or emergency money requests. Once emotional trust is built, victims often ignore red flags and suffer significant financial losses.

Emotional Manipulation and Harassment

Some users engage in emotional abuse through gaslighting, guilt-tripping, or pressuring matches for intimacy. Persistent messaging, controlling behavior, or pushing for explicit content are major warning signs. In extreme cases, private chats or photos may be used for blackmail or threats.

Physical Safety Risks

Meeting strangers offline carries real physical dangers. There have been reports of assault, stalking, extortion, and coercion after in-person meetings arranged via dating apps. Since most platforms do not conduct detailed background checks, users often have limited knowledge of a person’s true identity or intentions.

Privacy and Data Misuse

Sharing personal details too early can lead to privacy violations. Phone numbers, addresses, workplace information, or social media accounts can be misused for identity theft, cyberstalking, or long-term harassment.

Safety Tips for Using Dating Apps in India

Some of the best tips to follow for safety while using dating apps are:

Verify Profiles Carefully

Check for consistency in profile photos, bios, and conversation details. Profiles with very limited information or overly perfect images should be treated cautiously. Reverse image searches can help identify stolen pictures.

Never Share Financial or Sensitive Information

Avoid sharing bank details, OTPs, Aadhaar numbers, home addresses, or personal documents. No genuine match will ask for money or confidential information, especially in the early stages.

Use In-App Messaging

Stick to the app’s chat feature initially instead of shifting immediately to WhatsApp or Telegram. Dating apps provide reporting, blocking, and moderation tools that offer an extra layer of protection.

Meet Only in Public Places

For first meetings, choose well-lit, public locations such as cafés, restaurants, or malls. Inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans and avoid isolated or late-night meetups.

Trust Your Instincts

If someone rushes intimacy, avoids video calls, gives inconsistent stories, or makes you uncomfortable, disengage immediately. You do not owe politeness at the cost of your safety.

Stay Informed and Update Privacy Settings

Regularly review app privacy settings and stay aware of common online dating scams in India. Knowledge and awareness are your strongest defenses against misuse.

Dating apps can be a powerful tool for meeting new people, but they require caution and awareness. By understanding common dangers, recognizing warning signs, and following practical safety tips, users can enjoy online dating while protecting their emotional, financial, and physical well-being.

Smart decisions and strong boundaries are the key to safe and meaningful connections in the digital dating world.

Check out popular blog post on Dating Apps

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• Dating Tips for Someone Who Has Never Been in a Relationship

In today’s digital dating and relationship landscape, mixed signals have become almost normal. One day, you receive sweet messages or compliments, and the next day, there is silence. This confusing pattern often leaves people wondering whether someone is genuinely interested or merely using them for attention. This is where the concept of breadcrumbing comes in. Understanding the difference between breadcrumbing and genuine interest is essential for protecting your emotional well-being and building healthy connections, according to Shivani Misri Sadhoo, one of Delhi’s top relationship and marriage counsellors.

What Is Breadcrumbing?

Breadcrumbing is a relationship behaviour where a person gives you small, inconsistent bits of attention to keep you emotionally invested, without any real intention of committing or moving the relationship forward. The term comes from the idea of leaving “breadcrumbs” — just enough to keep you following, but never enough to satisfy your needs.

This behaviour is common in dating apps, friendships, and even workplace or social relationships. A breadcrumber may send occasional texts, react to your social media posts, or check in randomly, especially when they sense you are pulling away. However, they avoid deeper conversations, plans, or emotional availability.

How Does Breadcrumbing Typically Look?

Breadcrumbing often follows a predictable pattern. The person may:

• Text or call only when it suits them
• Disappear for days or weeks without explanation
• Avoid making concrete plans or cancel them repeatedly
• Offer vague promises like “we’ll meet soon” without action
• Show interest only when you seem less available

The key characteristic is inconsistency. Their attention comes in waves, leaving you confused and constantly waiting for more.

Why People Breadcrumb?

People breadcrumbs for different reasons. Some enjoy the validation and ego boost of knowing someone is interested in them. Others may be emotionally unavailable, afraid of commitment, or keeping multiple options open. In some cases, they may not even realise the emotional impact of their behaviour, but that does not make it any less harmful.

Breadcrumbing allows the other person to stay in control while investing minimal effort.

What Genuine Interest Looks Like?

Genuine interest, on the other hand, feels very different. It is consistent, respectful, and reassuring. Someone who is genuinely interested in you makes an effort to be part of your life, not just an occasional presence in it.

Signs of genuine interest include:

• Regular and consistent communication
• Making and following through on plans
• Showing curiosity about your life, feelings, and goals
• Being emotionally present and responsive
• Clear intentions rather than vague promises

With genuine interest, you are not left guessing. Even if the relationship is moving slowly, the effort and direction are clear.

Key Differences Between Breadcrumbing and Genuine Interest

Understanding the contrast between breadcrumbing and genuine interest becomes much easier when you look at specific behaviours. Below are clear, real-life examples that highlight how the two differ.

1. Communication Style

Breadcrumbing: Communication is sporadic and unpredictable. You may receive a sudden “Hey, what’s up?” after days of silence, with no real conversation or follow-up. Messages often lack depth and disappear once they have your attention.

Genuine Interest: Communication is consistent and intentional. Even during busy periods, the person makes an effort to check in, explain delays, and maintain a sense of connection.

2. Effort and Follow-Through

Breadcrumbing: Plans are vague and frequently postponed. Statements like “Let’s meet someday” or “We should catch up soon” are repeated but never acted upon.

Genuine Interest: Plans are specific and honored. If something comes up, they reschedule rather than disappear, showing that spending time with you matters.

3. Emotional Availability

Breadcrumbing: Emotional depth is avoided. Conversations stay light or surface-level, especially when you try to discuss feelings, expectations, or the future.

Genuine Interest: Emotional openness is present. The person listens, shares their thoughts, and is willing to have honest conversations, even if they feel uncomfortable at times.

4. Accountability and Respect

Breadcrumbing: Disappearances go unexplained. When questioned, the person may deflect, minimise your feelings, or suggest you are overreacting.

Genuine Interest: Accountability is taken seriously. They acknowledge mistakes, apologise when needed, and make changes to avoid repeating the same behaviour.

5. Impact on Your Emotional Well-Being

Breadcrumbing: You often feel anxious, confused, or insecure, constantly questioning where you stand.

Genuine Interest: You feel calm, valued, and secure, knowing where you stand even if the relationship is still developing.

6. Long-Term Intentions

Breadcrumbing: There is no clear direction. The connection remains stuck in the same place with no progress over time.

Genuine Interest: There is forward movement. The person expresses intentions through actions, showing a desire to grow the relationship naturally.

These differences make it clear that genuine interest provides clarity and emotional safety, while breadcrumbing thrives on uncertainty and minimal effort.

How to Protect Yourself?

The best way to deal with breadcrumbing is to set clear boundaries. Notice patterns instead of excuses. Communicate your expectations calmly and observe how the other person responds. Genuine interest will meet your clarity with respect, while breadcrumbing often fades or becomes defensive when confronted.

Remember, consistency is more important than intensity. Someone who truly cares will show up in actions, not just words.

Breadcrumbing and genuine interest can look similar at first, but over time, their differences become clear. You deserve relationships where effort matches words and interest is shown through consistency. Trust patterns, trust your feelings, and do not settle for crumbs when you deserve a full connection.

Infidelity is one of the most emotionally disruptive experiences in a relationship. It shakes trust, raises painful questions, and often leaves the faithful partner struggling to understand what went wrong. Conversations around infidelity tend to be emotionally charged and, at times, filled with stereotypes. However, approaching the topic with balance and emotional maturity is essential.

Understanding potential red flags does not mean jumping to conclusions; it means becoming more aware of changes that may signal deeper relationship issues. This article explores female infidelity in a thoughtful, respectful manner, focusing on awareness rather than accusation, as shared by Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is one of the top marriage counsellors in Delhi and India.

What Is Infidelity?

Infidelity is not limited to physical intimacy outside a committed relationship. It can also take emotional and digital forms. Emotional infidelity occurs when a person forms a deep emotional connection with someone else, sharing intimacy, secrets, or emotional reliance that should belong within the primary relationship. Digital infidelity may involve secretive online conversations, explicit messaging, or maintaining hidden social media connections. What defines infidelity ultimately depends on the boundaries agreed upon by the couple, but at its core, it involves betrayal of trust and emotional commitment.

Why Do Women Commit Infidelity?

Women, like men, do not engage in infidelity without underlying reasons. Contrary to popular belief, female infidelity is often less about physical desire and more about emotional dissatisfaction. Feeling emotionally neglected, unheard, or undervalued in a relationship can create vulnerability. When communication weakens or emotional intimacy fades, some women seek validation and connection elsewhere.

Another common factor is unmet personal needs. This may include a lack of appreciation, affection, or companionship over time. Major life transitions such as motherhood, career changes, or personal identity struggles can also contribute, especially if emotional support is missing. In some cases, unresolved conflicts, long-standing resentment, or a sense of loneliness within the relationship play a significant role. Infidelity is rarely impulsive; it often grows from prolonged emotional disconnect.

Red flags for female infidelity to watch for are:

Emotional distance

One noticeable red flag can be emotional withdrawal. A partner who was once open and communicative may become distant, guarded, or uninterested in sharing daily experiences. Conversations may feel superficial, and attempts at emotional closeness may be brushed aside without explanation.

Communication pattern

Changes in communication patterns are also common. Increased secrecy around phone usage, sudden password changes, or defensiveness when questioned about messages can signal hidden interactions. While privacy is healthy, secrecy combined with behavioural shifts may indicate something more.

Priorities shifting

A shift in routine or priorities can also raise concern. Spending excessive time away from home without clear explanations, sudden changes in work schedules, or increased social commitments that exclude the partner may point toward emotional or physical involvement elsewhere.

Comparison

Emotional comparison is another subtle sign. If a woman frequently criticises her partner or compares him unfavorably to others, it may reflect emotional detachment. This often accompanies a loss of respect or admiration, which are crucial pillars of fidelity.

Drop in intimacy

Changes in intimacy can also be telling. A sudden decline in physical affection, avoidance of closeness, or disinterest in shared intimacy without an identifiable cause may reflect emotional disengagement. Conversely, in some cases, a sudden increase in affection can occur due to guilt or internal conflict.

Defensiveness

Finally, heightened defensiveness or irritability may appear. Simple questions may trigger disproportionate anger, or discussions about the relationship may be avoided entirely. This emotional volatility often stems from inner conflict and fear of exposure.

It is important to stress that these signs do not confirm infidelity on their own. Stress, mental health challenges, personal growth, or external pressures can produce similar behaviours. The goal of recognising red flags is not to police a partner but to prompt honest communication.

Healthy relationships are built on trust, transparency, and emotional safety. If concerns arise, addressing them calmly and respectfully is far more constructive than suspicion or confrontation. Open dialogue can uncover unmet needs, repair emotional distance, and, in many cases, prevent further damage.

Female infidelity, like any form of betrayal, is complex and deeply rooted in emotional dynamics rather than simple temptation. Recognising potential red flags helps partners become more emotionally aware, not more suspicious. Instead of focusing solely on signs, couples benefit most from nurturing emotional connection, practising honest communication, and addressing dissatisfaction early. Awareness should always lead to understanding, not assumption, because trust is preserved not by fear, but by connection.

If you have just gotten used to some of the strangest dating terms like ChemRIZZtry, Curveball-crushing, Love-loreing, and Truecasting, then gear up for another one. This new term draws inspiration from the world of penguins and is winning hearts everywhere.

It’s called Pebbling. Yes, the name sounds cute—and the concept is even cuter. If you’re wondering how pebbling got its name and why it is becoming one of the most popular dating trends today, shares Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is one of the most experienced couples therapists and relationship counsellors in Delhi and India.

What is Pebbling?

Did you know that penguins woo their potential partners with pebbles? Sounds strange! Well, it is a cute way of expressing love, I would say. The male penguins quite meticulously select the perfect pebble to impress their significant other. We humans, couldn’t help but borrow this charming idea of expressing affection through small, thoughtful gestures-because sometimes it is the simplest tokens that carry the most meaning.

Ways We Do It

Humans have found novel ways of dating their partners. Pebbling can be used in digital as well as physical modes. Let’s see how:

Physical pebbling

Gifting meaningful keepsakes

Offering someone a small item picked up during a trip—something that immediately reminded you of them—is a deeply intentional act. It’s not about cost or grandeur, but recognition. The object becomes a stand-in for the moment you paused, thought of them, and chose to bring a piece of that experience back. It tells them they occupy space in your mind even when they’re not physically present.

Handwritten notes filled with emotion

A handwritten note carries a kind of intimacy that can’t be replicated. Each word reflects time, care, and vulnerability. The imperfections—the slant of the handwriting, the pauses between lines—make it human. These notes endure, becoming something the recipient can return to whenever they need comfort, reassurance, or a reminder of being loved.

Bringing baked goods

Baking for someone is a quiet labour of affection. It involves effort, patience, and the desire to give something made by hand. More than food, it’s an offering of warmth and nurture. Sharing something homemade says, I wanted to create comfort for you.

Gifting a thoughtfully chosen book

Choosing a book for someone requires attention. Whether it’s a novel you believe they’ll get lost in or a subject aligned with their interests, it shows that you understand how their mind works. A book becomes a companion, and gifting one says, I see what inspires you, and I want to share that with you.

Sending fresh flowers

Flowers chosen with intention—because they reflect a favourite scent, colour, or mood—become sensory expressions of care. They brighten spaces, linger in memory, and offer a quiet reminder that someone was thinking of them. Even after they fade, the sentiment remains.

Planning a surprise coffee date

A surprise coffee date may seem simple, but it’s deeply personal. It’s about carving out time, creating closeness, and turning the ordinary into something meaningful. These moments, though unassuming, often become the most cherished.

Digital pebbling

Sharing music with intention

Sending someone a song is a deeply intimate act. Each track is chosen for how it feels, what it recalls, or what it quietly communicates. Music becomes emotional shorthand—a way to express affection, longing, or understanding when words fall short.

Using emojis to express emotion

Emojis may be small, but they can carry immense emotional weight. A single symbol can soften a message, convey warmth, or express feelings too tender to spell out. In their simplicity, they often speak more honestly than words.

Sending articles, news, or recommendations

Sharing content tied to a shared interest or something the recipient is passionate about shows attentiveness. It’s a way of saying, I pay attention to what matters to you, even in passing moments.

Tagging and interacting online

Tagging someone in a post that reflects an inside joke or shared sentiment is a modern form of connection. It’s playful, public yet personal, and rooted in shared understanding. These small interactions reinforce bonds in subtle but meaningful ways.

Pros of Pebbling

1. Strengthens Introverted Relationships

Pebbling helps introverted relationships grow because it offers connection without pressure. For introverts, long conversations or constant interaction can feel draining, even with people they care about. Pebbling—sharing small messages, links, photos, or thoughts—creates a gentle way to stay close.

It gives just enough interaction to feel seen and understood, without becoming overwhelming. Since there’s no need to reply right away, both people can engage when they feel ready and emotionally available. This slow, flexible exchange builds warmth and trust over time, letting relationships bloom naturally and comfortably.

2. Security Matters

When partners practise pebbling—those small, thoughtful gestures that say “I’m thinking of you”—it quietly builds a deep sense of security in the relationship. Over time, these little acts add up, reassuring each person that they matter and that the bond is steady, not fragile. When you know your partner is reliably attentive and emotionally present, doubts lose their sharp edge and uncertainty doesn’t get much room to grow.

This feeling of safety makes it easier to lower one’s guard, to speak honestly about fears, needs, and imperfections without worrying about judgment or withdrawal. In such an atmosphere, conversations become kinder and conflicts less threatening, because both partners are anchored in the belief that they are on the same side. Pebbling, in its gentle way, turns everyday care into a strong foundation for trust, openness, and healthier ways of working through disagreements together.

3. Keeps The Romance Alive

When you first meet someone and sparks fly, everything feels electric—those butterflies, that slightly unreal happiness—but as time passes, that intensity naturally softens. The so-called honeymoon phase fades, not because love disappears, but because life settles in. This is where pebbling quietly works its magic. Pebbling is about those small, thoughtful gestures that say I see you—a note slipped onto the fridge, a song shared for no reason, a favourite snack brought home unexpectedly.

These acts may seem simple, almost insignificant, yet they carry a gentle power. They keep surprise alive, nurture warmth, and remind both partners that affection doesn’t need grand declarations to feel profound. Especially in moments of loneliness or when doubts creep in and fears of drifting apart arise, pebbling rekindles emotional closeness. It reassures, without drama, that love is still present—steady, attentive, and deeply felt—woven into the everyday fabric of the relationship.

4. Stressbuster

Life can get relentlessly hectic, and when pressures pile up, they have a way of seeping into our closest relationships. This is where pebbling comes in, quietly and kindly. Pebbling—those small, thoughtful gestures or gentle words—acts like a pause button on stress. A warm message, a shared joke, a cup of tea placed without being asked: these modest acts ease tension and remind two people that they are seen and cared for.

Over time, such moments build an emotional cushion, making love feel steadier and more secure. Couples who practice pebbling often find that disagreements lose their sharp edges; patience comes more easily, empathy flows more freely, and conflicts are approached not as battles to be won but as conversations to be resolved. In its unassuming way, pebbling restores calm, reinforces connection, and helps love endure the daily wear and tear of life.

Cons of Pebbling

• Pebbling can replace real communication by keeping things light while avoiding deeper conversations.
• It can create mismatched expectations when one person reads more meaning into it than the other.
• It can start to feel like pressure when replying becomes an unspoken obligation.
• It can mask low effort by substituting memes for actual follow-through.
• It can trigger attachment issues if one person overthinks while the other feels overwhelmed.
• It can stall progress by keeping the connection indirect and undefined.

In a nutshell, pebbling is about showing love through small, thoughtful gestures that build closeness, security, and warmth. When done mindfully, it keeps romance alive and reduces stress. But balance matters—pebbling should support, not replace, honest communication and genuine effort in relationships.

Have you ever felt confused by your partner’s emotional reactions—why they struggle to open up, suddenly withdraw, or need constant reassurance? You may also notice that some people cling tightly to relationships, while others fiercely guard their independence or fear getting too close. These patterns often create misunderstandings, emotional distance, and repeated conflict in relationships.

What many people don’t realise is that these behaviours rarely begin in adulthood. Their roots lie much earlier, in childhood. The emotional bond formed with primary caregivers shapes how we experience closeness, trust, and intimacy later in life. Psychologists call this bond an attachment style, and it plays a powerful, often hidden role in relationship breakdowns.

According to Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is one of the highly experienced relationship counsellors and marital therapists in Delhi and India, attachment styles influence how we express love, respond to emotional needs, and handle conflict. While these patterns develop early, they are not fixed or irreversible, and they are shaped by more than just parental affection.

What Is Attachment Style in a Relationship?

Attachment theory was first proposed by British psychologist John Bowlby and later expanded by Mary Ainsworth. It explains how children are biologically wired to seek safety and closeness with caregivers. When caregivers respond consistently and sensitively, children develop a sense of security and self-worth. When care is inconsistent, emotionally unavailable, or intrusive, children adapt in ways that help them survive—but those adaptations can create challenges in adult relationships.

It’s important to note that attachment strength does not depend on wealth, culture, or education. It is built through everyday emotional exchanges—responses to crying, smiling, fear, or comfort. Personality traits and later life experiences also influence attachment, so relationship struggles cannot be blamed on parents alone.

There are four primary attachment styles.

1. Secure Attachment

People with a secure attachment style feel comfortable with intimacy and independence. They are generally warm, caring, and open in their relationships, able to express emotions without excessive fear of abandonment. Because they trust both themselves and others, they don’t constantly seek reassurance or validation.

Securely attached individuals can recognise and regulate their emotions, communicate clearly, and manage conflict constructively. Their emotional stability often creates a sense of safety for their partners, allowing relationships to feel supportive, balanced, and resilient.

2. Anxious-Preoccupied Attachment

Those with an anxious-preoccupied attachment style crave closeness but live with a constant fear of rejection or abandonment. They invest deeply in relationships and often depend heavily on their partner for reassurance. Even small signs of distance—such as delayed replies or emotional withdrawal—can trigger intense anxiety about their worth or desirability.

To regain emotional security, they may act in ways that pull their partner closer, such as becoming overly accommodating, seeking constant validation, or provoking emotional reactions. These behaviours are driven not by manipulation, but by fear. Despite these challenges, anxious individuals are often emotionally aware, capable of deep empathy, and highly attuned to their partner’s feelings when they feel safe.

3. Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment

People with a dismissive-avoidant attachment style value independence and self-reliance above all else. They often view emotional closeness as uncomfortable or intrusive and prefer to keep their feelings private. In relationships, they may withdraw when intimacy increases, avoid vulnerability, or downplay emotional needs—both their own and their partner’s.

This pattern often develops in response to caregivers who were emotionally unavailable or rejecting, teaching the child to suppress needs and rely solely on themselves. While dismissive-avoidant individuals may appear confident and content alone, the desire for connection still exists beneath the surface. It is often restrained by a learned belief that closeness leads to disappointment or loss of freedom.

4. Fearful-Avoidant Attachment

Fearful-avoidant, also known as disorganised attachment, is marked by deep internal conflict. Individuals both desire closeness and fear it intensely. Love feels unsafe, unpredictable, or overwhelming. This style is often linked to early experiences of neglect, trauma, or chaotic caregiving, where the same caregiver was a source of both comfort and fear.

As adults, these individuals may swing between emotional closeness and sudden withdrawal, struggle to regulate emotions, and experience high levels of mistrust or self-sabotage. Intimacy can trigger anxiety rather than comfort, leading to volatile patterns, withdrawal, anger, or avoidance. Beneath these behaviours lies a strong longing for safety and connection, paired with a belief that love is dangerous or undeserved.

Attachment styles quietly shape how we love, communicate, and respond to emotional closeness. While formed early, they continue to evolve through life experiences and relationships. Understanding these patterns helps reduce blame, increase empathy, and bring clarity to recurring relationship struggles. With awareness and support, individuals and couples can move toward healthier emotional bonds, greater security, and more fulfilling relationships.

Love, faith, and communication are the perfect recipe for a healthy relationship. Yet we live in an era where touchscreens often speak louder than our voices, and notifications interrupt moments that once belonged solely to each other. Couples today are constantly busy—physically present but emotionally elsewhere—scrolling through lives instead of truly living their own. In this climate of distraction and constant movement, relationships are expected to adapt, bend, and survive at a faster pace than ever before.

As priorities shift and independence becomes more valued, commitment itself begins to take on a different meaning. The idea of lifelong promises can feel overwhelming in a world that celebrates flexibility and personal freedom.

Many people now seek companionship without the perceived weight of traditional expectations, believing that emotional connection does not always need formal labels to be real or meaningful. Gradually, this mindset has opened the door to alternatives where love is tested in shared spaces, daily routines, and mutual understanding—without immediately stepping into the institution of marriage.

Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is a leading couples therapist and marriage counsellor in Delhi, shares her thoughts on whether a Live-in relationship would be good or bad in 2026 in this article.

What is a Live-in Relationship?

So, by now we all know what a live-in relationship is. It is an arrangement where a couple in love decides to live together without the social or legal sanction of marriage, yet remains equally responsible toward each other.

Pros of Live-in Relationship

1. Freedom Remains Intact

One of the things that happens when you are married is that you seem to lose some freedom, because your individual choices inevitably start affecting your partner. You cannot simply say no to your partner’s relatives’ wedding even if you do not wish to attend, or you may have to cancel a weekend trip so that your in-laws can spend time with both of you.

There are many ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ you cannot ignore once you are married. In a live-in relationship, however, this freedom largely remains intact—choices are still personal, boundaries are more flexible, and compromises are made out of willingness rather than obligation, allowing both partners to retain a stronger sense of individuality. In fact, one does not have to legally separate like a divorce; they can simply part with each other amicably whenever they want to.

2. Compatibility Testing

One of the key factors of a healthy relationship is being truly compatible with each other, and a live-in relationship makes that easier to test. Living together allows partners to see the real person behind the smiles and polite gestures of dating.

When you share the same space, use the same kitchen, spend more time with each other, you get to know each other’s daily routine, mood swings, and quirks– things that aren’t visible during brief dates. Couples often put on their best behaviour during these short meetups, which makes it hard to see the real person.

3. Enhanced Communication

When couples choose a live-in relationship, their communication often naturally improves. Sharing a living space requires them to navigate daily routines, responsibilities, and conflicts together, which encourages clearer expression of needs and feelings. This constant interaction helps partners develop better conflict resolution skills and fosters healthier, more effective communication patterns within the relationship.

4. Saves Money

This is perhaps one of the most practical benefits of a live-in relationship. Couples can share their rent, bills, and other household expenses in a live-in relationship.

Cons of Live-in Relationship

1. Legal Problem

Without a clear legal or societal framework, live-in relationships can create uncertainty about commitment, future plans, and personal boundaries. This lack of clarity may trigger insecurity, anxiety, and misunderstandings between partners, making communication more challenging and leaving individuals unsure about their rights, responsibilities, and the relationship’s long-term stability.

2. Societal Factor

Society may not approve of such relationships. This further leads to emotional stress.

3. No Commitment

Lack of commitment is a major drawback of live-in relationships, as partners may avoid long-term responsibility. Without clear promises, emotional security often suffers, making the bond feel temporary. This uncertainty can lead to trust issues, unequal effort, and hesitation about future plans, leaving one or both partners feeling unstable inside.

So, is a live-in relationship a good or bad idea in 2026?

Honestly, it depends—not on the trend, but on the people involved.

A live-in relationship can work beautifully when there’s clarity. When both partners are open about what they want, where they’re headed, and what their boundaries are. When independence doesn’t turn into emotional distance. When freedom comes with responsibility. And when love isn’t treated as disposable just because it isn’t legally defined.

But it can fall apart when it’s used to dodge commitment instead of understanding it. When comfort replaces effort. When fear of permanence gets dressed up as “being modern.” And when the emotional work isn’t shared equally, leaving one person giving more, hoping more, and quietly settling for less.

Maybe the issue isn’t live-in relationships at all. Maybe it’s how confused we’ve become about commitment. Somewhere along the way, we started mistaking flexibility for depth, and freedom for bravery. Real commitment—married or not—has never been about paperwork. It’s about intention. It’s about choosing to show up, even after the excitement wears off.

• Love doesn’t demand a specific format. But it does demand sincerity.
• And whether you share a home or take sacred vows, the question stays the same:
• Are you building something meaningful—or just passing time together?

So, ultimately, a live-in relationship in 2026 can be good or bad depending on the couple. It all depends upon the perspective.

It works when there is honesty, clarity, respect, and shared responsibility. Without commitment and communication, it can cause confusion and hurt. Ultimately, meaningful relationships depend on intention, not labels.

Rejection has always been a part of growing up, but for today’s youth, it often feels heavier, louder, and more public than ever before. In a world shaped by social media, instant feedback, and constant comparison, rejection is no longer just a private disappointment.

It can feel like a public verdict. From being left on “read” to not getting enough likes or being excluded online, digital culture has transformed how young people experience and process rejection. This raises an important question about whether the online world is making emotional resilience harder to build, says Shivani Misri Sadhoo, who is one of the top couples therapists and relationship counsellors in Delhi.

Rejection in the Age of Visibility

In earlier generations, rejection usually happened in limited social circles. A declined invitation, a failed exam, or a romantic disappointment was often experienced privately or shared with a few trusted people. Today, online platforms make social interactions visible and measurable.

When a post receives little engagement or a message goes unanswered, rejection feels quantified and exposed. For many young people, these small digital signals are interpreted as judgments on their worth, making rejection feel constant rather than occasional.

The Pressure of Constant Comparison

Social media encourages users to compare their lives with carefully curated versions of others’ success and happiness. When young people see peers achieving milestones, gaining attention, or appearing confident and admired, rejection can feel like personal failure rather than a normal life experience.

This comparison culture amplifies self-doubt and can make setbacks feel more significant than they truly are. Instead of seeing rejection as a temporary obstacle, many begin to internalise it as a defining trait.

Fear of Public Failure

Online culture has blurred the line between private mistakes and public embarrassment. A rejection can quickly become visible through screenshots, unfollows, or subtle online signals. This creates a fear of trying at all.

Many young people hesitate to apply for opportunities, express feelings, or share creative work because the possibility of rejection feels too public and permanent. The internet rarely forgets, and this perceived permanence adds emotional weight to every risk.

Reduced Opportunities to Build Resilience

Resilience is often built through repeated exposure to disappointment and recovery. However, digital interactions can limit this process. Online rejection tends to be abrupt, silent, or ambiguous, offering little explanation or closure.

Being ignored or excluded online does not provide the feedback needed to learn and grow. Over time, this can make rejection feel confusing and deeply personal, rather than a normal part of human interaction.

Emotional Validation and External Approval

Online culture places strong emphasis on validation through likes, comments, and followers. When approval becomes external and numerical, rejection feels like the absence of value. Youth who grow up equating attention with self-worth may struggle more when validation is withdrawn. This dependency can make rejection emotionally overwhelming, as it challenges both confidence and identity.

Learning to Reframe Rejection

Despite these challenges, online culture does not make rejection impossible to handle; it simply changes how it must be understood. Teaching young people to separate online feedback from self-worth is essential.

Rejection, whether online or offline, is not a reflection of personal value but a natural outcome of diverse opinions, preferences, and circumstances. Developing digital literacy, emotional awareness, and self-compassion can help youth navigate rejection more healthily.

Online culture has undeniably reshaped how today’s youth experience rejection, making it more visible, frequent, and emotionally intense. While this environment presents new challenges, it also offers an opportunity to redefine resilience for the digital age. By encouraging meaningful offline connections, fostering self-worth beyond online approval, and normalising rejection as part of growth, young people can learn not only to cope with rejection but to grow stronger through it.

Yes, a movie ends on a happy note — the hero and heroine walking into their “happily ever after.” But real life actually begins from there. When two people meet and fall in love, they make promises — some spoken, many unspoken.

As days turn into months and years, conflicts slip in naturally. Misunderstandings arise, expectations grow heavier, and the magic of the beginning can start to dim under the weight of everyday reality. But not all conflicts are bad. In fact, some are necessary. They peel away the illusions of perfection and invite both partners to grow. Yet when arguments begin to cross a line — when every disagreement feels like a battlefield — that’s when it’s time to pause.

How to de-escalate heated fights amongst couples?

Arguments shouldn’t spoil the bond; instead, learning to de-escalate them can strengthen it. And to help couples handle these stormy moments, says Shivani Misri Sadhoo, a leading relationship expert and one of the highly experienced marriage counsellors in Delhi, India.

Press the Pause Button

When an argument starts to intensify, it helps if one person presses pause right away. A relationship grows stronger when both people choose connection over winning, because it’s not about who’s right—it’s about how you treat each other while you work through things together.

Taking a short break lets emotions cool, prevents regretful words, and gives each person space to reflect on what they’re really feeling.

Research even shows that about twenty minutes is often enough to bring your heart rate down and regain a sense of calm. In moments like these, the healthiest thing you can do is step back and say, “Let’s stop here for a moment. We need to hear each other out.”

Reflect

Once you hit the pause button, the next step is to reflect on your own feelings, on what the situation is really asking of you, and on how things might look from your partner’s side. This small moment of self-check creates space for calm and clarity, making it easier to speak with empathy rather than react out of frustration.

It’s natural to feel convinced that we’re right and the other person is wrong, but pausing helps us soften that instinct and look at the situation with a bit more honesty. In that brief break, you can sort through what you actually need, what may have triggered you, and how to express yourself without blame.

Often, just taking those few intentional seconds is enough to shift the entire tone of the conversation and prevent it from spiraling.

Find out the Real Why

When couples argue, the real issue often slips beneath the surface, buried under reactions, tone, or the heat of the moment‌. That’s why it helps to pause and look for the⁠ true trigger—sometimes it’s something as small as feeling unheard, overwhelmed⁠, or unappreciated, rather than whatever started the argument on the surface.

If you peel back the layers a bit, you might find that one person was already carrying stress‍ from elsewhere, or that an old, unresolved concern got brushed up‍ again without anyone realising it. Getting to that “why” isn’t about assigning blame; it’s about understanding the emotional undercurrent‌ so both people can respond with empathy instead of frustration.

Listen to Your Partner

Sometimes the simplest advice is the hardest to follow — just listen. In the middle of a heated argument, couples often talk over each other, raising their voices without actually hearing a word being said. But listening is one of the most powerful tools for de-escalation.

When you slow down and genuinely pay attention, you’re not just absorbing words — you’re acknowledging your partner’s feelings, showing that their emotions matter, and creating space for understanding instead of defensiveness.

Real listening means trying to grasp what they’re really upset about, what they need, and why it matters to them. It’s a sign of respect, care, and willingness to fix the issue rather than fuel it further.

And often, once someone feels heard, the tension softens naturally; solutions appear more easily, and the conversation becomes less about winning and more about reconnecting. Listening doesn’t magically solve everything, but it opens the door to resolution — and that’s usually all a relationship needs to start moving forward again.

Choose Your Words

It’s surprising how quickly a‍ few careless words can‍ turn a small disagreement into something painful. In the heat of an argument—especially between couples—words can come out harsh, thoughtless, or completely misunderstood, and once they’re said, you can’t take them back.

That’s‌ why choosing your words‍ with intention matters so much, instead of slipping into blame,⁠ personal attacks, or sweeping statements like “you always” or “you never,” try grounding the conversation in your own feelings with gentle “I”‌ statements.

Slow down, listen without interrupting, and make space for your partner to feel heard. Not every disagreement needs a winner; sometimes the real victory is understanding each other better. A little patience, clarity, and‍ kindness can keep a difficult⁠ moment from becoming a damaging one.

In a nutshell, de-escalating arguments isn’t about winning—it is about caring for each other. Take a step back,‍ listen, understand what’s really bothering each other, and communicate gently. Little pauses, honest reflection, and thoughtful words can turn tension into connection, helping couples grow closer instead of drifting apart.

Check out Popular Blog Posts on relationship tips on Couple fights

• Why Fighting Over Who’s Right Is the Wrong Approach in a Relationship? – One of the top couples therapists in Delhi and Gurgaon, Shivani Misri Sadhoo, explains why arguing over right vs. wrong harms relationships.

• How To Make Your Boyfriend Talk after a Fight? – How to make your boyfriend talk after a fight? Answers Shivani Misri Sadhoo, one of the leading marriage counsellors and one of the best relationship therapists in India.

• Is Your Relationship Worth Fighting For? Signs You Should Not Give Up Just Yet – Marriage counsellor and relationship expert Shivani Misri Sadhoo tells if your relationship is worth fighting for?

• Why Fighting with your Partner is Good for your Relationship – Shivani Misri Sadhoo at Saarthi Counselling Services is there to guide and help you if you are experiencing too much of a fight or constraints in your relationship.

• Do You Find It Difficult to Approach Your Partner After a Fight? – Marriage Counsellor Shivani Sadhoo Reveals How to Break the Silence Post a Fight with Your Partner