Relationship Matters: Discussing psychological problems

Our relationships and how we navigate them keep evolving with the times. Often, we find questions or worries so personal that they can only be shared with a stranger, but any random stranger is no real solace! Nor is the advice safe. With that in mind, Star Lifestyle brings to you a brand-new relationship advice column from certified experts. This hopes to tackle the host of worries, questions and forks in roads of the relationships plane that includes the personal, professional to psychological.

Read on for insights, and shoot us your concerns, even anonymously at lifestyleds@yahoo.com, or send us a message on Star Lifestyle's Facebook page.   

My sister wants to marry her abusive boyfriend. I have tried to convince her to do otherwise. Should I tell our parents?
— Nazneen Akhter

Dear Nazneen,

I appreciate your concern about your sister and also understand that you care a lot about her. Being a caring sibling, you can have a constructive conversation with your sister.

First of all, listen to her point of view. Then ask her if there is any particular reason for choosing her boyfriend or any other emotional dependency. Finally, express your concern or opinion.

As a sister, you can express your thoughts to her about all these circumstances, but forcing her to change her decision will be a violation of the boundary. If your sister is still under 18 years of age, you can also discuss it with your parents. But again, not to impose or force them to accept your decisions. Let them decide about their daughter.

If there is any confusion or dilemma regarding decision-making, you can also bring her to talk about her relationship with a mental health professional.

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