Relationship Success in a Modern Indian Society

This book was originally written for readers in the west as the issues and points I am making relate to a 'western style' relationship. However with the change happening in India I believe I can also offer the Indian people some ideas that they may be able to use in their own relationship as these changes occur. As people of nations such as India come into contact with different cultures and like what they see, they will start to adopt many of these new things. And there will always be that initial struggle as there is an adjustment period as the two cultures clash. There will often be the older generation living with the traditional culture and the younger people who embrace the changes, but who still have respect for their parents and grandparents.

These influences can be both positive and negative, and because the world has become such a smaller placed due to globalization it is very difficult for most societies to avoid outside influences. Every culture has something good to offer and I believe it is a case of having a balance between cultures.

Studies and research of what are good and bad relationships have been conducted in the west for many years and there are many good ideas for making relationships work. I hope what is in this book will help you on the way to a great and happy relationship.

In observing and listening to others I have also looked at my own, and what I consider successful, relationship with my wife, Wendy, of 29 years and partner of 34, and I'd like to take you on some of our journey.

What this book is trying to achieve is to identify a number of ideas that 'practised' on a regular basis will become part of our lifestyle. Undertaken over a period of time they become second nature and require little thought. They do not require a great deal of thinking.

It is natural that marriage and relationships will go through changes and adjustments and mistakes will be made. As more western style characteristics become common within these relationships, people will recognize that marriage is a very important part of their lives and something that requires work, understanding and responsibility. Being able to have a quick divorce is not a solution to marriage or relationship problems.

In India there is no greater event in a family than a wedding. Weddings are a great tradition and the event involves the efforts of many people.
The personal and financial investment in a marriage makes it important that we choose carefully who we want to spend the rest of our life with. This book provides some suggestions in helping you find that special person.

Indian marriages are now to some extent freer as people have more opportunity to marry who they wish. This allows couples to marry for love, rather than if the family or parents approved or influenced their decision in choosing a partner.