My name is Priya, and I’ve been married to Ravi for many years. In the beginning, our marriage felt like a dream. Ravi was caring and affectionate, and I thought we would always be happy together. But over time, things began to change.
It started with small things. Ravi would get upset over little things, like how I cooked dinner or if I didn’t do something the way he wanted. I thought maybe he was just stressed, so I didn’t think much of it. But soon, his anger started to grow. He would yell at me for the smallest mistakes, and it hurt. He began calling me names, making me feel worthless. It was like I couldn’t do anything right.
His anger wasn’t the only problem. He also started controlling things I didn’t expect. He would tell me where I could go, who I could talk to, and even what I could wear. I began to feel like I wasn’t allowed to have a life of my own. His words made me feel trapped, and the more I tried to please him, the more I lost myself.
But I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending cycle of trying to keep him happy, while feeling miserable inside. I would keep quiet to avoid making things worse, but it only made the pain grow. I started to feel alone, even though I was married. I was no longer the confident, happy person I once was. I had lost my sense of self, my happiness, and my peace.
As time passed, I realized that I couldn’t keep ignoring how I felt. I needed to find a way to protect myself and take care of my mental health. So, I began to make small changes. I started setting boundaries with Ravi. I learned to stand up for myself, even if it was just in small ways. I began to talk to my friends and family more about what was going on, even though it was difficult. They were supportive and reminded me of who I was before this marriage.
I also started to focus on things that made me happy, even if they were simple things like reading a book, going for a walk, or cooking a meal just for myself. I realized that I couldn’t keep giving everything to Ravi without taking care of myself. I had to find a balance, and it was hard, but I kept trying.
It wasn’t easy. There were days when I felt like giving up, but I reminded myself that I wasn’t alone. I still had my family and friends who cared for me, and I had to find strength in them. Slowly, I began to rebuild my confidence and self-worth.
Looking back, I know that a healthy marriage is built on mutual respect, love, and kindness. If you are newly married, my advice is this: Never forget who you are. It’s important to communicate openly with your partner, but it’s also important to set boundaries and protect your mental and emotional health. Marriage should be about partnership, not control. Always remember that your happiness matters too.
Credits
Posters : Photoshop, Meta AI, Canva. Designed by Jessi Hemanth
Music : Scott Buckley - Undertow" is under a Free To Use YouTube license / musicbyscottb