Being playful and a little childlike while loving a guy can create a fun relationship vibe. That playful energy brings lots of joy and spontaneous moments, which means we can share laughs and have a great time together. But sometimes, when I get serious with others, it might come off as clingy or insecure, especially to the guy I care about.

Here is the thing, though: this mix of vibes does not say anything about my worth. It just shows how deep my feelings run for him. My playful side is all about joy and not needing someone to lean on. I value our connection and want to spread that happiness without feeling like I am losing my confidence or who I am.

Open communication is super important to clear up any confusion. By letting him know that my fun side comes from genuine affection and not from insecurities, I can show him that my love is strong, not needy. This way, we can build a better understanding of each other that embraces both our relationship's silly and serious sides. It will help us create a bond of trust and joy, not misunderstandings.

Insecurity often appears in relationships, leading to irrational fears and self-doubt. For a man plagued by paranoia, the nagging thought that his partner is like him for some ulterior motives can be incapacitating. This emotional turmoil stems from a deep-rooted fear of inadequacy and rejection, manifesting in questions like, “Why does she love me when she has so many better options?”

To be in a relationship with a man who harbours such paranoia is often challenging yet profoundly revealing. On the one hand, his insecurities may lead to moments of vulnerability, where he seeks reassurance and validation. On the other hand, these feelings can create an emotional barrier, resulting in jealousy and distrust. It’s essential to understand that this behaviour is not a reflection of his feelings for you but a manifestation of his internal struggles.

Despite having other options, your love for him can stem from deep emotional connections that transcend superficial choices. You see his potential, his kindness, and the unique bond you share. Your affection is not based on convenience but on genuine admiration and respect. By communicating openly about these feelings, you can help alleviate his doubts.

A relationship built on mutual understanding and support can gradually dismantle the walls of paranoia. Love is not merely about having options but standing by someone through their darkest moments. In embracing this complexity, we can foster deeper connections that reassure both partners of their worth, ultimately reminding them that love is not just a choice — it’s an unwavering commitment to one another.

I have heard many say actions speak louder than words. Well, that is true in its essence. But have you wondered why some actions tend to be unnecessary? This is especially true when that action does nothing for your personal growth or hinders someone else’s growth.

It’s particularly true when the common man shouts and shouts for change in government or society, and nothing happens in the end. I mean, to topple a regime, you need much more than just showing a baseless action of gathering in the streets.

Here comes the real deal: silence. Tackling one’s enemy in silence rather than forging war is a superior way of winning against them. Just like how Caesar was dethroned by his men. Caesar knew he had enemies who no longer wanted to see him in power. But he never had a single doubt in his mind that he would be stabbed by his very own men in the end.

Well, that is how you get things done. You cannot shout or speak to tell your plans to your enemy. You might win in that situation if you are confident about your strengths. But why tell your plans and make your nemesis aware of them? Startle your enemy with silence and sudden attacks — an attack that no one can win against.

Well, I know this is my morally grey character showing up, and we no longer live in an ancient or medieval society. But yes, be silent, work on your goals, and outshine your doubters. Focus on silence, work towards your vision, and do not let anyone know your next move. That’s how you win in life.

We live in a society where body positivity is a huge trend. Everyone is appreciated irrespective of their shape and size.

Well, I am not against the same. But I do have an issue with body positivity campaigns that are superficial. Let me explain: I do not support people who call themselves body-positive while supporting themselves or someone who might get a health issue due to their weight.

Do not body shame them, but at least talk them into leading a healthy lifestyle. Yes, some individuals might have a natural curvy or chubby figure. If their overall health is fine despite being in that shape, they are body-positive. However, if you're over 100 kilograms, have excessive fat and have a risky BMI but still claim to be body-positive. Well, that's where the issue lies. Either you're not aware of your health, or you're a fool who's knocking at death's door.

Recently, I have gained a bit of weight as I am working from home, which has restricted my outdoor activities. And, well, my diet got compromised, too. I kid you not; I feel ugly. I was never fat or chubby. Since childhood, I've always been an athletic girl with strong thigh muscles.

When I see myself in the mirror, I feel ugly and disgusting. I wonder what I can do to look like my old self. I'm not fatphobic towards others but to myself. I hate being fat.

But I won't stay like this long because I want to feel pretty like before and get back in shape. For me, body positivity means to keep fit and be in shape. Because I feel my best when I'm in shape, yes, occasional weight loss or gain might be inevitable due to various factors.

But that doesn't mean I'll stay in that position all my life. I've determined to make changes in my diet and incorporate exercises to get back to the bodyshape that made me feel confident and beautiful.

So, rather than being too woke, it's better to focus on overall health and avoid supporting trends that worsen one's health just in the name of being inclusive and positive towards yourself and others.

Ego or pride is one of the seven sins mentioned in the Bible. It is a trait that is frowned upon by many. Most life coaches and spiritual gurus would tell you to stop having an ego, as it ruins and pulls you down to your lowest.

But let me tell you something: ego can help you reach your highest highs when channelled correctly. Now, you might wonder how a negative emotion, like pride or ego, can assist us in getting everything we ever wanted.

Let me share a personal memory of how my ego helped me achieve my dreams. During my teenage years, my classmates bullied me for my looks. A few teachers felt insulting me in front of the class just because I was weak in mathematics would break my spirits.

So, why was I bullied for my looks? Being an Indian naturally makes me have dark and thick hair around my eyebrows, which, at the age of 13–14, my mother did not allow me to groom. And being an active player in outdoor sports made me tan more than other girls my age. Hence, my classmates used to call out various names to taunt me. But these things did not affect me because the adults who wished well always said I would turn into a ’pretty young lady’ with age. This is a phase all pre-teens go through, so do not have that long face.

On the other hand, a few teachers would taunt me that I wouldn’t pass my 10th-grade exams and qualify for higher secondary education. This was only because I used to score low marks in mathematics. Honestly, I wasn’t good with numbers, which made me nervous about taking every test. The result was scoring exceptionally low marks.

I remember one mathematics teacher saying you won’t even be able to leave this school to pursue humanities in other schools because your math scores will stop you from achieving that. Well, I took everyone’s taunts and non-productive criticisms with a smile. Yes, some days, I felt like bursting out in tears in front of them, but I controlled it. If I break down in front of them, they’ll be the happiest. Well, I did not let that occur.

I gradually became the ‘black sheep.’ I kept myself low and worked hard on my studies. Anyway, I loved studying social sciences and natural sciences. I knew if I focused on scoring good marks in these subjects, no one would have the power to stop me from achieving my dreams of leaving this school and getting admitted to one of the most elite schools in my city, having a robust humanities faculty.

And for my looks, well, I didn’t have to do anything. I just had to wait until I completed my 10th Board so my mother would allow me to groom myself.

Well, my ego came to the rescue. To everyone's surprise, I scored high marks on the 10th Board. I was admitted to the school where I wanted to study my +2 (11th and 12th grade). Moreover, you might wonder what happened to my physical looks. With appropriate grooming and a changed yet sophisticated wardrobe, I became that ‘beautiful young lady’. I shredded my tomboyish behaviour with that of a young lady preparing to enter the real world.

But I didn’t want any revenge against the ones that did me dirty one day. However, the teachers who once dissed me for not scoring well called my parents repeatedly so I could enrol myself in the commerce or science programs my previous school offered. Well, they didn’t want to lose a good student who had the potential to score in the 12th Board, too, which would elevate the school’s status among the other schools in the city.

On the other hand, the boys who used to call me names in school corridors or felt embarrassed that they were friends with me used to blow up my DMs on social media. Suddenly, I experienced the power of being an ‘exceptionally good-looking woman.’ Well, I did take a small revenge in this case. I never replied to them back. I treated them like morsels from the past that are better left in the past.

So, if you have been told you can’t do something or have been judged for matters in which you might not have control. My suggestion, there’s nothing you can’t achieve in this world. Just have some ego and strike a blow on your past self. I do not endorse taking revenge; that’s where people with egos go wrong. Taking revenge will make you fail evidently. But, keep determined and motivated to prove everyone wrong who doubted you or pushed you to your lowest low.

Have ego and pride, but do not forget to stay kind and humble even when you achieve what you have always wanted. That’s how you channel your ego and pride positively without causing harm to others but improving your personal growth.

Let’s be honest for a second: figuring yourself out in your mid-20s is tough! The pressure to figure it out can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have anyone in your family pushing you toward entrepreneurship or finding your life’s vision.

Growing up, many of us look to our elders for guidance. They’re supposed to be the ones who’ve been there, done that, and can show us the path. But if your family doesn’t have that entrepreneurial spirit, it can be hard to know where to start.

I do not blame them either, because they have grown up with their elders being a stable job. And that meant the ultimate goal in life. Work in a respectful 9 to 5 and work hard for salary increments and promotions. Doing something entrepreneurial meant a lot of risk, which might make them lose their stability in life.

In such an environment, you’re left scrolling through social media, watching influencers and entrepreneurs who make it all look so easy while trying to figure out what you want from life.

Then came that moment when my man suggested I become an influencer. At first, it sounds like a joke. “Me? An influencer?” But then you realize that being an influencer isn’t just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about sharing your journey, your struggles, and your passions with the world. It’s about creating a brand that’s authentically you. Suddenly, this wild idea starts to feel like a viable path.

So why not give it a shot? Embrace the chaos of your mid-20s! Diving into the world of content creation, sharing your experiences, and connecting with others in the same boat. It’s all about exploring, learning, and growing — both as an individual and potentially as an entrepreneur. You may not have had that entrepreneurial push, but it’s never too late to chart your course.

I am the kind of woman who grew up seeing strong female personalities who showed their femininity and were stern about their principles.

My mother, my maternal grandmother, and her mother, i.e., my great-maternal grandmother, have strong female personalities. I've heard stories about my grandmother's being resilient in tough times. Fighting in the race of life, along with my grandfathers.

I experienced my mother's resilience and futility while supporting my father in tough times. I never saw her complain about her destiny or the man she vowed to stay with forever.

Nevertheless, neither lost their femininity while being a strong female character. Moreover, along with real-life examples, I've adored Hollywood heroines with strong characters. I was never a fan of the 'damsel in distress' trope. I've preferred 'femme fatals' over them.

Due to this, even my favourite Disney princesses have been Ariel from Little Mermaid and Merida from Brave. Both are strong in their personal way. Yes, Merida did not want a man in her life. That's a different story. However, Ariel, a mermaid princess, wasn't the damsel in distress waiting for her prince to rescue her. Prince Erik, a human, caught her eye, and she went to change her whole self and become a human to marry the man she fell for.

And let's not forget about Jackie O'Kennedy, one of the most powerful women married to the strongest man in the world, the President of the United States.

She inspired me because she was a pure lady, soft and feminine, but she had the strength to be by the side of the strongest man. It takes a strong female personality to concur in such a situation.

I've never been that kind of a feminist who despises men or their existence. But, I do hate any man who would try to put me down or burn out the flame that burns within. Hence, I've always wanted to be a partner who would support her man 24/7. In return, I want similar support for my personal growth.

We've all heard the saying, "Behind every successful man, there's a woman." First, that woman is the man's mother, who birthed him and showed him the world. But, let's be honest, our parents will not sail our boats until the end of our lives. Someday or another, we've got to let go of them, and that's a fact that makes me sad, but that's a fact.

So, what happens when the man no longer relies on her mother? He'll search for a woman worthy of supporting him in all his endeavours.

Loving a strong, ambitious man isn't the kind of love we crave in our teenage years. But it's a love that's more mature and understanding. I'm not the kind of woman who would want frequent dates or various gifts from my man, but I crave consistent communication with him.

I've seen my friends fighting with their man just because that guy couldn't call them or didn't take them on a date. I never resonated with such behaviour. Even in college, when I was supposed to be hip and roaming around the city, I didn't feel the urge to waste my time frolicking around. Nor did I have numerous boyfriends with whom to have fun.

I was always the kind of girl who wanted to wait for the man who would finally come to make me understand the value of time and show love through care and mentoring. But yes, I fell into the trap of a guy who tried to be the same but broke my heart.

However, now I have a man with whom I feel seen and understood in a way I always wanted to feel like. He's the kind of mine that brings out my feminine side but also allows me to show my strong personality passed on to my mother and their mothers. He's the kind of man who doesn't feel a woman should be home-bound just caring for him. But a woman who would be by his side, supporting his visions and goals.

Finally, I understood why the strongest men in the world crave a woman who's not a traditional wife but an ambitious woman who doesn't sacrifice her feminine side to achieve the same.

I'm not interested in becoming Miranda from "The Devil Wears Prada," an overly ambitious woman who got divorced twice, maybe because the men she married couldn't handle her strong side. Or perhaps she was so staunchly ambitious that she lost her sense of feminity to protect her family and her career.

I still aim to be like my mother and her mother who came before her. Standing firmly with their man in the most challenging time and supporting them till 'death do us part'. I aim to be the partner my man would feel proud to have. I also feel proud to be with a man who tries to uplift and empower me in my personal growth while being his worthy partner.

It's Ganesh Chaturthi today, the day Lord Ganesha visits the earthly plane and stays for ten days. We devotees offer worship to receive the blessings of the elephant-headed God of knowledge and wealth.

Suppose you're someone who wants to become rich by being smart. Ganesh is your go-to god for worship. After all, he was the one who assisted sage Valmiki in writing the great epic of Ramayana. Anyway, that's a different story.

But let's talk about how we offer food or 'prasad' to God or Goddesses according to our tastes.

Imagine an entity so powerful that it directs the whole Universe. Does that entity need food like us to sustain a living? I guess not. But, yes, we offer prasad to our gods to please them or for hospitality, as we Indians emphasise our guests like divinity. Offering food and water is one of the highest forms of hospitality that can be shown to anyone.

Throughout cultures, cooking and serving food are considered acts of love. Similarly, Indians see divine beings as guests who visit humanity for a few days before going to their heavenly abode.

Hence, food is a big part of Hinduism and the worship of Gods and Goddesses. The variety of food offered as prasad resembles the region from which the devotee belongs. India is diverse, meaning food habits change in every district and state.

Devotees of Bengal, a region where 'Shaktism' is widely followed, offer non-vegetarian items like fish and goat meat to the Goddesses.

However, Bengal also has a strong influence of 'Vaishnasim', where Krishna and Narayan are widely worshipped. Bengali devotees of the God can be seen served local Bengali delicacies like 'payesh', a milk-based sweet rice porridge seasoned with green cardamom.

On the other hand, Maharashtrian devotees of Ganesha can be seen serving 'modaks', a milk curd-based sweet that is widely popular in the region.

Similarly, worshipping the divine entity remains the same across different states. However, the prasad offered differs from one region to another.

It's similar to visiting different regions and experiencing the different food habits of each state or region across the nation and even the world.

Hence, the stories of a particular God liking a specific food item are mainly created by its devotees, not God himself.

But I'm sure God doesn't mind the hospitality they receive while visiting humanity a few times around the year, making them indulge in foods we mere mortals enjoy.

Food makes us and God connect with one another. This makes us think that God is someone whom we have known since birth. Whenever they visit, offering prasad is a sign of devotion and love that devotees feel toward their desired form of the entity.

Hi. I’m a 26-year-old woman who has had her doubts regarding the concept of religion and faith.

When I was older than a toddler, I admired my grandmother sitting in our ‘puja room’ and worshipping the various displayed Gods.

What caught my attention was the sound of the bell and the showing of incense sticks as an offering. I didn’t understand the concept of faith back then. I was just a child fascinated by the jewelled idols standing there, smiling.

So, like any other child, I, too, tried to mimic the elder’s actions. My dad also photographed me in poses, acting like a seasoned homemaker and doing her pujas after a bath.

Anyway, these were all child’s play. I did not understand religion or faith at such an early age. However, various religions have caught my attention with age, except mine.

Then, my mother taught me a few mantras, which I know by heart to this day. I pronounce them every morning to connect with the spiritual space.

Belonging to a religion that’s more of a philosophy than a faith. Knowing specific mantras shows us how our ancestors connected with nature and the heavens back in the day.

When I was a preteen, Christianity fascinated me immensely. I used to nag my father to take me to churches on Sundays to see the ‘Sunday Mass’. Well, I didn’t fulfil this wish.

But, whenever I saw a church and found its doors open. I would enter and used to feel a different kind of serenity that I never found anywhere else.

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t deviate from my roots, which was Hinduism. I adored visiting the Dakineswar Temple. There were various reasons I loved visiting the temple beside the river Ganges.

First, I love water bodies. Visiting this temple meant I would get a boat ride to reach Belur from Dakineswar. Second, as a child, trees across the temple property were filled with langurs. Being an animal lover, I adored watching them play around mischievously. I also have a photograph of myself standing near a langur. It used to astonish my parents that I wasn’t afraid of them at such a young age. Anyway, that’s a different story.

However, time went on and on, and days passed. I was never a devout worshipper of any God. I believe in them, but I’ve never spent hours worshipping and performing various rituals in the puja room.

But, my interest in Hinduism and its various fascinating stories struck me reverently. I read somewhere, “You connect with your creator when the creator wants you to”. If God doesn’t want us to come to them, no power in the world can pull us toward God.

I believe God is one of the best motivational coaches in our Universe. No amount of Youtubers or IG influencers have the power to influence good within a person like God. This is only true when you see God like that. Many people view God in various ways. Be that saviour, friend, parent, or lover for a few.

But whatever way you see God, the most important thing is connecting with them with a pure word. The Supreme Being answers no question. The only task we need to do is set our ego aside and ask God through prayer, mediation, or any other way we want to connect with the divine being.

I have treated God like a friend with whom I can share anything and everything. I’ve had fights with that being like a friend and even asked for forgiveness when I crossed my boundaries. I also show gratitude for things when my wish was fulfilled. Nevertheless, I’ve always found my answers by connecting with my creator.

Hence, I always suggest speaking to God in your lowest lows and highest highs. The Supreme Being can fulfil every wish, desire, and material good that you might dream of having.

You’ve probably heard people rave about how you just need to “visualize” and “believe” to attract wealth into your life. I’m here to tell you why, despite all the positive affirmations and vision boards, manifesting money often feels like a magical pipe dream that never quite pipes up.

First off, let’s set the record straight. The idea of manifestation is all about the power of positive thinking. You envision yourself swimming in cash, and somehow, the universe is supposed to throw money your way. Sounds great, right? Who wouldn’t want to just think their way into financial stability? But here’s the kicker: there’s no real evidence that thinking positively alone leads to a cash influx.

Now, I’m not saying there’s no merit to positive thinking. It can boost your mood, make you more resilient, and even open you up to opportunities you might have missed otherwise. But if you’re just visualizing that money rolling in without taking practical steps, you’re basically setting yourself up for disappointment.

Let’s be honest: a vision board isn’t going to pay your rent or fill your fridge. Without concrete actions like budgeting, saving, investing, or even improving your skills, you’re just daydreaming. It’s like planning a road trip and imagining yourself arriving at the destination without ever actually getting in the car. Positive thoughts might make you feel good, but they won’t replace actual effort and strategic planning.

Moreover, the whole manifestation gig often ignores real-life challenges. What if you’re in debt or facing financial instability? Can positive thinking alone pull you out of that mess? Probably not. It’s not that the universe is against you; it’s that financial problems usually require practical solutions—like creating a debt repayment plan or seeking financial advice—rather than a “manifestation ritual.”

And let’s not forget the financial guru culture that promotes these ideas. Many of these so-called experts profit from selling you courses, books, or seminars on how to manifest money. It’s a win-win for them: you buy into the dream, and they make a tidy profit. If manifesting money was as simple as they say, wouldn’t they be giving away their secrets for free?

Then there’s the problem of self-blame. If you’re not seeing results from your manifestation efforts, you might end up thinking it’s your fault. Maybe you’re not visualizing hard enough or believing strongly enough. This kind of thinking can be detrimental, making you feel like a failure rather than recognizing that you might just be missing a practical approach to your finances.

Here’s the real talk: financial stability usually comes from a combination of smart planning, hard work, and sometimes a bit of luck. It’s about setting goals, making informed decisions, and adapting as circumstances change. Manifestation might give you a motivational boost, but it won’t replace the need for a solid financial strategy.

So, next time you’re tempted to simply envision that money flowing in, remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Combine it with actionable steps, like improving your financial literacy and creating a realistic plan. After all, a vision board is a nice accessory, but it’s no substitute for a well-thought-out strategy.

In the end, manifesting money isn’t entirely futile—it can be part of a broader approach to achieving your goals. But don’t be fooled into thinking that positive thoughts alone will make it happen. Roll up your sleeves, get practical, and put in the work. Your future self will thank you.