Hello_bil_afkar

Living in constant fear has become my new normal. The increasing incidents of rapes and murders make me question my safety every day. It’s been two years since I moved to Bangalore, and I still don’t have five trustworthy friends. Why is that? It’s not because I’m an introvert or shy. I avoid talking to or even looking at people—not even at work. I don’t smile at strangers. The current situation in our country makes me feel like anyone could be a psychopath ready to harm me if I make eye contact, smile, or talk to them. Sometimes, I even worry about my choice of clothing. Nights are sleepless, filled with the glow of my phone as I seek comfort from my family. I double-check that my doors are locked. I wasn’t always this concerned, but now I’m so insecure that I’m afraid to live freely and carefree. Despite being an independent working woman, I’ve become more dependent on my family than I was as a child. It took me a year to start talking to my team and two years to make two friends. I ...

Life is like a fabric made up of relationships, feelings, attitudes, pride, regrets, and understanding. Some relationships we choose, like those with a spouse, friends, co-workers, and supporters. Others, we are born into, like those with our parents, siblings, and extended family. No matter how they start, all relationships are based on love, care, respect, and loyalty. When any of these are missing, the relationship can break, sometimes permanently. It’s normal for relationships to face problems. Misunderstandings, different viewpoints, and unmet expectations can cause tension. For example, in a friendship, if one person always has to reach out and make plans, they might start to feel unappreciated and think the other person doesn’t care as much. In families, a common issue is different expectations. For instance, parents often want their child to follow a path they think is right and safe. But when a child wants to make their own choices and believes in their own way, it can cause c...