I have been trying to write something for a week now. Every time I start, I scribble, delete, re-write, and then finally give up and start scrolling.
And while scrolling — of course — I came across that Vogue article that has been doing laps around the internet: “Having a Boyfriend Is Embarrassing.”

More clicks than the writer probably expected. And honestly? It made me stop.
Not because I fully agreed, but because I felt something I wasn’t expecting: recognition.

Later, I ended up chatting with my girl-friend about it.
I asked her, “Be honest… is it really embarrassing to say you’re dating a guy?”
Her counter question was: “Have you ever been embarrassed dating someone?”

And let me tell you — the answer is YES.
Not in a dramatic, movie-level way. But that little ick where the guy is cute, sweet, nice, but something inside you still goes: “Umm… I don’t think I want to tell my friends about him.”
Not because he’s bad — but because something doesn’t qualify. Something doesn’t align. And yes, let the record show: this is not gender-biased before anyone comes running at me with opinions.

But the truth is, people — men and women — do feel embarrassed sometimes.
And I don’t even think it’s a new concept. I think we are just finally saying it out loud.

Honestly, in my head, if someone is embarrassed of you, it means they are not sure about you.
When something feels right, embarrassment has no place.
(And God knows how many times I have typed the word embarrassed already.)

If you have read my recent blog Red Flags & Green Passport, you will see the connection.
There I was talking about dating issues.
Here I am again — except I am not even dating anyone right now.

Even when I try, it ends like this:

• “Let’s see.”
• “You’re too bold.”
• “Please don’t put me in your blog.”
  (Omg relax, what makes you think you are that important?)

So yes — being single is daunting.
But being in a relationship? Also daunting.
Where exactly are we supposed to go?

It’s like that old saying:
If you don’t have the sweet, you feel bad. If you eat the sweet, you still feel bad.
Modern dating is just… that sweet.

And honestly, nothing happening today is new.
It’s just finally being spoken about instead of whispered.

Meanwhile, after all this deep thinking, I will still open Instagram, watch another couple get engaged, married, announce a baby — and I will be like:
“Anyway, let me go search the recipe for the food I’m craving right now.”

Ending up lonely isn’t the plan.
But ending up with someone I feel ashamed of?
Definitely not in my cards.

So here I am — unsure whether the “next one” or the “right one” will ever appear.
But hopefully someday, none of us will feel embarrassed about the person we are dating — whether it’s labelled, unlabeled, a situationship, half-baked talking stage, or whatever new term invents tomorrow.

If this ick hit you at some point, tell me. I swear these things become the best stories later or feel free to comment below!

We are nearly to end of 2025 that means cold breeze, darker evenings and time to be cozy on your couch. There’s something about quiet evenings and warm drinks that makes me start overthinking life (and love). I am not sure if it’s the hot chocolate or the chill, but here’s me unpacking some thoughts on dating, being single, and why solo flights feel a lot less lonely lately.

One thing that keeps tingling in my mind lately is this — if you’re in your late 20s like me, you have probably noticed people around you getting engaged or married. Some younger than you, some older. While I am genuinely happy for them (congratulations to all!), my kind of planning looks a bit different. While some plan their next date, I am usually checking where I will travel next — which flight is cheaper, if there are any summer or winter discounts, and what new place I can explore next.

Don’t get me wrong — I absolutely believe there’s nothing wrong with wanting a partner, holding hands, or daydreaming about all that cute stuff. It’s just that my fantasies look a bit different — like wondering if I will ever cover all my saved travel locations, do a proper outfit fit check, enjoy a meal, and, well… be able to poop the next day (you know what I mean ).

And no, there’s nothing wrong with me! If you relate to any of this, you are definitely not alone. And if you are happily married — I don’t envy you. Because what I have truly learned is that your own grass can be green too, and you will be absolutely fine right where you are.

Would I like to be in a relationship someday? Maybe. But I have also realised happiness doesn’t only come from companionship. Until I find someone who fits into my story, I will be chasing sunsets and eating exotic food around the world — one flight at a time.

When we were teenagers, we all had a list of what our “ideal partner” should be like — their looks, their qualities, how they had make us feel. But after a few failed dating experiences (mine and my friends’), I have come to accept that it’s never the same for everyone. Love can be exciting and magical, sure — but how comfortable are you just being with yourself? Listening to your own thoughts without running away from them?

Sometimes I wonder — has society made us desperate to find someone, or is it really our own desire? Is having a partner truly a choice, or just a box society tells us to tick to feel “complete”? I’ll leave you with those questions…

Till then, I will be collecting passport stamps instead of red flags.
So tell me, are you team date-night or team solo-flight?

After celebrating Navratri — one of my favorite festivals — I am now back in Dublin. It honestly feels like I blinked twice, and the days just flew by. Between unpacking my bags, adjusting to the cloudy weather, and trying not to exhaust myself, I am already preparing for another celebration — Diwali, the festival of lights, love, and laughter.

There are so many festivals throughout the year, but Diwali has always been the most special to me.

Once we leave home to chase our dreams, one thing that always finds its way back — especially during festivals — is homesickness. When everyone back home gathers together, that’s when the feeling hits hardest.

Luckily, for the past three years, I have had a group of friends who have become like family. We come together every Diwali to cook, laugh, and celebrate — making sure none of us feel too lonely. While we all miss our families, sharing this time together truly fills that gap.

This year was no different — lights glowing on the windows, songs playing softly in the background, homemade food, snacks, and lots of sweets. A few sparkerles before goodbyes and, of course, group pictures for Instagram — memories to look back on in 2025 and years ahead. Everyone dressed in traditional clothes, looking absolutely lovely.

As we are just two months away from 2026, I can’t help but feel grateful for the people who have stood by me, been a call away, or simply made me smile when I needed it most. I hope the coming year brings more joy, health, and prosperity to all of us.

BRB — I need one last samosa and maybe a few more sweets before I even think about going back on a diet! Then again, with Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, maybe I’ll just postpone that thought for a while longer. 😅

Still, nothing compares to the Diwali of my childhood — helping my mother clean the house, preparing snacks, buying new clothes, and watching my father struggle (and fail twice!) to hang the lantern before we all burst out laughing. Evenings filled with prayers, colourful rangoli, pocket money from elders, and the joy of a few sparklers — those moments are truly priceless.

While times have changed and everything’s just a click away now, those memories remain eternal. I feel lucky to have lived those days and even luckier to still carry their essence with me.
That’s all for today — wishing you a healthy, safe, and joy-filled Diwali!
May your home be full of light, laughter, and love. 🌸✨ Saal Mubarak! ( Happy New Year)

Hi folks, how are you all doing?
I am back in my home country for two weeks just to enjoy my favorite festival—Navratri. Before flying out, while I was still in Dublin, I joined a Garba workshop. For anyone who may not know, Garba is a traditional folk dance performed during Navratri, usually in big circles with music, clapping, and singing. For me, it is not only about the garba steps, but also about the energy, rhythm, and celebrating together.

To be honest, when me and my friends first enrolled to the workshop, we were not sure what to expect. Some workshops I have seen are more about the instructors showing off their skills rather than teaching. However, this workshop turned out to be very different. Thanks to Vivek Malkan and Parth Parekh , everyone felt included—whether you were a complete beginner or someone like me who has been playing Garba for many years. My friends, who find difficulties in learning the garba steps before, picked it up quickly, and nobody felt left out. That was the best part.The workshop was not just about learning the steps—it was about celebrating the festival together.

I have been dancing Garba for about ten years now, and the funny thing is this: I cannot last two hours in the gym, but four hours of Garba feels like only a warm-up. The workshop helped me polish my moves and reminded me exactly why I love this dance so much. More than just learning, it gave me the energy and excitement I needed before heading home.

As soon as I reached Mumbai, I went straight to see Falguni Pathak, the queen of Garba songs. Imagine this: a 14-hour journey, only 6 hours of sleep, and yet I still managed to dance for five hours non-stop that night. That is the magic of Navratri—it keeps you going no matter how tired you are.

After that, I traveled to Gujarat to watch Aditya Gadhvi perform. His music blends Gujarati folk with a modern style, and the way he sings about the land and its culture feels deeply moving. Dancing under the night sky to his songs was one of those moments where you feel completely connected—to the place, to the people, and to the music itself and cherry on top was being with my best friend.

Honestly, I do not know how I managed to do it all while running on so little sleep. But I think that is exactly what festivals are about—you forget the exhaustion and simply live in the moment.

I am not saying everyone should celebrate Navratri, but I do hope that whatever festival you love makes you feel the same way—joyful, glowing, and truly content.

A big thanks again to Vivek Malkan ( insta id: @longhairguy9) and Parth Parekh
(insta id: @parthparekh1803) for teaching with so much patience and making the workshop so much fun. If you are in Dublin and looking to learn Garba or simply want to see more of what they do, definitely check out their Instagram.

So tell me—which festival makes you feel like it is truly yours?

I have had conversations that linger long after they’re over. One question I hear often is: “With three degrees and a background in finance, what are your real thoughts on money?”
Here’s the thing – money is tricky. Keep it and it rusts. Invest it and it risks. Somewhere between those two extremes is where most of us live — trying to figure out what actually makes sense.

I am not a financial influencer. My work touches money, yes, but I am not here with formulas or get-rich schemes. What I have learned is this: finance isn’t always about numbers. Sometimes it’s about perspective.

I saw this when I was cribbing to my engineer friend while learning Python. She told me, “You’ve just started — of course it feels like gibberish. It’s not rocket science, but until the basics click, it won’t make sense.” Later, when she asked me about finance, the roles reversed — and she felt the same way.

The Big Question: What Do I Do With My Money?

We all face it. You have saved some funds — now what?

• Put it in stocks and hope it doubles?
• Leave it at home so you can “see” it?
• Buy gold because your grandmother swore by it?

None of these choices are risk-free. Stocks crash. Cash at home loses value. Even gold — yes, prices rise, but what about liquidity? If you suddenly need money tomorrow, can you get it easily? And let’s not forget scams.

Risk vs. Rust

To me, keeping money idle is like letting it rust. But investing means facing risk. And without some risk, building anything meaningful is tough.
So we sit between two worlds: the older generation urging “buy gold, keep it safe,” and the younger crowd saying “invest, spend, live for today.” Both have a point — but neither is complete.

No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

Here’s what I know for sure:

• Don’t blindly follow your cousin, parent, or some flashy influencer.
• Don’t ignore your money either — leaving it untouched isn’t a plan.
• Be open, keep learning, and experiment responsibly.

Whether you save, invest, or spend, do it intentionally. If you choose safety, own that choice. If you choose growth, remember it takes time and patience.
Because money, at the end of the day, isn’t just about where you put it. It’s about why you put it there.

Final Word

Finance isn’t rocket science, but it can feel like gibberish until the basics click. The real lesson? Don’t look for a one-size-fits-all formula. Instead, find the balance between risk and rust that makes sense for you.

Two weeks of not writing. Two weeks of soaking up the sun, wandering through parks, and letting summer pull me away from the keyboard. It was blissful—until I caught myself saying out loud: “I miss writing.”

My friend I was with replied, “But you don’t have to write all the time.”
And I replied back, “True. But I want to.”

That one word—want—hit me like a wake-up call.

When Life Feels Like a Checklist

There was a time when my days were ruled by have to:

• I have to finish this project.
• I have to post a blog.
• I have to hit the gym.
• I have to save money.

Even though nobody was standing over me with a whip, I still felt weighed down. My goals, my choices—but framed as obligations, they became burdens.

The Moment It Shifted

One evening while journaling, I caught myself writing: “I have to write a blog.” Then I paused. Do I really have to? Who’s keeping score here? Who’s going to scold me if I skip it?
No one.
So I crossed it out and rewrote: “I want to write a blog.” Instant shift. The heaviness dropped. Suddenly it wasn’t pressure—it was passion. That’s when I realised: the words we choose carry the weight we feel.

Everyday Rewrites

Since then, I’ve been testing this tiny language swap in my daily life:

• Not “I have to work out” → “I want to move my body.”
• Not “I have to save” → “I want to build a secure future.”
• Not “I have to call home” → “I want to hear my mom’s voice.”

Even with travel—the thing I love most—I used to think: “I have to plan a trip this year.” Now I say: “I want to travel because it makes me feel alive, I want to see more places, enjoy my life fullest.”
The action doesn’t change. The energy does.

Why It Matters

Here’s what I’ve learned: I don’t thrive under “have to.” It feels like someone else is holding the pen of my life.
But “want to”? That’s freedom. That’s me choosing.
This shift keeps me writing because I want to share. It keeps me saving because I want a future I’m proud of. It keeps me kind to myself because I want growth, not guilt.

Try It Yourself

This week, catch yourself. Notice when you say, “I have to.” Swap it for “I want to.”
At first it may feel like a lie. But keep at it. Watch how your energy around the task changes—even if the task itself stays the same.

Final Words

Life already throws deadlines and obligations at us. Why pile on more by turning our own choices into chores?
I’m learning to live by this simple rule:
From “I have to” → “I want to.”
It makes everything feel lighter. Freer. And, most importantly—mine.

“As a woman, what keeps you strong and outspoken?”
“How are you doing all this?”
“What inspires you?”

I get asked these questions often. And truthfully? Sometimes, I don’t know.
I don’t have a formula. I haven’t figured it all out. I just know that this is who I am.
That Instagram caption that says, “I’ll panic first and then figure it out”?
That’s me. Every single time.
I might look like I have it together, but most days, I’m figuring it out moment by moment.

We are all trained to show our wins, our joy, our curated calm.
But when we fall? We often retreat quietly—to whatever safety nets we can find.

The thing is—not all nets are safe. Some let you fall.

But maybe that fall is part of the process. Because how else do you learn to rise?

What Inspires Me?

If I had to give you a straight answer, it’s this: It’s always been the women.

From childhood to now, I’ve been surrounded by women who did extraordinary things in the most ordinary ways. Today, that circle still exists—only now, it’s global.

I live in Ireland, and there’s a small group of us who’ve become each other’s strength. We call ourselves the Shaktiwomen—a reminder of the quiet power we carry. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but one thing is clear: Wherever we go, we’ll take our strength with us.

My First Role Model: My Mother

Of all the women who’ve shaped me, my mother stands at the core.
She’s my blueprint—my reminder that leadership doesn’t always look like a title.
She’s been a wife, a mother, and a businesswoman—often all at once.
She hosted meetings in the morning, showed up at our school, kept tabs on our lives, and still came home to cook dinner.
What she did—is easily the work of three people.
Yes, she had a partner. Yes, there was help.
But her fire, her presence, her ability to stand tall in every room? That was all her.
Today, people might say women like her were operating from a trauma response.
Maybe that’s true. But for me, she proved something else:
That women can carry entire worlds—and still keep their minds, their families, and their dignity intact.

Watching Power Shift in My Community

It wasn’t just at home where I witnessed strength. I saw it in my community too.
In many traditional housing societies, the structure is predictable:
The man is the president. The woman, the secretary.

Men hold the title. Women hold the weight.

But I have watched that begin to shift. Women stopped following quietly and started speaking up.

They asked for space. They created it. I have heard women say: “Yes, my husband is the president—but I’m the one leading here.” And they weren’t wrong. These weren’t women hiding in shadows.
They were standing beside power—and sometimes rising above it.

The Seat at the Table

One moment that stayed with me happened at a recent inauguration. Everything paused—no one moved forward—until she arrived. Not out of obligation. But out of respect.

That moment said everything. Being given a seat is not the same as making one.
One is offered politely. The other is earned, carved out, and built—with or without help.

And maybe that’s what I’ve been doing all along.
Without even realising it, I have been learning how to make my own seat.

To the Women Still Fighting for Space

To the women speaking up—in boardrooms, neighborhoods, classrooms, and homes—
I see you. And I get it.

The way we are evolving—becoming louder, stronger, more visible—
I know, without doubt: We are getting there. Together.

One Story I’ll Never Forget

There’s a story Michelle Obama once told about a dinner she had with Barack. She looked at him and said, “You’re lucky you married me. Otherwise, someone else would be President of the United States.”
That’s the energy. That’s the fire.
And I believe more of us are stepping into it—every single day.

Final Words

Find your inspiration. Let it lead you. Even when you’re unsure, uncertain, or unfinished—
you might just uncover strength and capability that go beyond what you ever imagined.

Learning to Balance Spending, Saving, and Living

Dive in with me as I try to figure out the answers. I’m in my 20s, but honestly, I don’t think these questions ever really go away with age.

Have you ever wondered, “What will I do after receiving my salary?”

Welcome to Adulthood: Where Every Paycheck Brings More Questions Than Answers

• How much do I save?
• How much can I spend?
• Am I behind?
• And—maybe the darkest one—what if I don’t make it to retirement?

Your first salary doesn’t come with instructions.
It just lands in your account one day, minus taxes and deductions you didn’t even know existed—and suddenly, you’re expected to be a financially responsible adult.
No guide. No manual. Just vibes.

The Question Everyone Asks: What Next?

After the excitement fades and you start chatting with colleagues and friends, the inevitable question pops up:

“So… what next?”

Honestly, I have been in that space—and sometimes, I’m still in it.

• How much should I save?
• How much is okay to spend?
• What if I don’t live to see retirement?
• Should I just enjoy everything now and worry about the future later?

As an overthinker and self-proclaimed analyser, my brain jumps straight into fight-or-flight mode with one burning thought: “Do I have a backup plan?”

The Balance We All Need

After several years and a few finance books, I have come to a simple conclusion:
Balance is everything.
Live in the present. Take the trip. Buy the nice thing. But also—save. Prepare. Think ahead.

Here’s a rhythm I try to follow each year:

• Quarter 1: Plan a trip or make an enjoyable expense
• Quarter 2: Focus on saving
• Quarter 3: Repeat the fun
• Quarter 4: Save again

And when it comes to monthly budgeting?
Try a ratio that fits your lifestyle:

• 50:50 – Spend : Save
• 70:20:10 – Needs : Wants : Savings
• Or any other split that helps you stay consistent

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just disciplined. And trust me, discipline works wonders.

Reality vs. Plan (Yes, It Happens)

Let’s be real—it’s easier said than done.
Some months, life hits hard.
You fall off track.
You overspend.
You forget the plan.
And that’s okay.

Give yourself grace. Take a breather. Recalibrate—and then get back to it.

This isn’t a race. It’s a long-term game.

I used to think saving money meant sacrificing joy. Now I know: it’s not either/or. You can choose both.

Financial peace isn’t just about numbers. It’s about knowing you’re not living on the edge.

Helpful Resources (Start Here)

There are countless resources out there to help you build better money habits—you just need to know what to search.
Start by typing things like on Google/ use as prompt:
“How to save €5,000 in 365 days” or “How to save ₹50,000 in a year”

You will find:

• Savings challenges
• Step-by-step guides
• Budget templates
• And practical advice tailored to your target

If you are looking for country-specific content (like for Ireland or India), it might be a bit scattered—but it’s there.
Look for blogs, apps, YouTube creators, or simple spreadsheet templates. Pick what feels doable for you—not what demands you change your life overnight.

Final Thought

Hopefully, you:

✅ Live a life you enjoy
✅ Save a little more than you did last year
✅ Create a plan—just in case you actually do make it to retirement in one piece

Got a budgeting trick that works for you?
Drop it in the comments—I am always curious what others are doing to make this whole “adulting” thing work.

I know, I know — Princess Treatment? Really?
But hear me out.

Back home in India, life had its comforts. You didn’t have to walk too far for things. A few calls here and there, and everything you needed showed up. Sure, you needed money, but even a middle-class family could afford these small luxuries.

I remember standing in my old room — plain cream walls, nothing exciting. My best friend, the pretty lady herself, walks in and says, “You really need to bring your vibe in here.”
I agreed, but had no clue what to do about it.

Two days later, I had a plan. Found a contractor, made a few calls, and within 10 minutes, four or five workmen were at my place. Paint, shelves, fairy lights — you name it. By the next week, I had a completely new room. Easy. A few bucks, a little boss energy, and there you go.

Then I moved to Dublin.
Reality check.

I needed a desk and a chair. Ordered them from Amazon, feeling all grown up. Then came the horror — assembly. I had never built a single thing in my life. Four hours later, after confusing nuts, bolts, and my sanity, I finally had a desk and a chair. Wobbly? Maybe. But it stood.

PS: If you realised till now purple is my favourite colour, that’s totally true.

However this moment hit different.
It made me realise: I can do things. Sure, I will crib about it first. I will stare at the manual like it’s ancient Greek. But eventually, I figure it out. And yeah — sometimes I still fall back to old habits: call a friend, bribe them with tea, and get the job done faster. No shame in that.

Truth is, I miss that Princess Treatment — running to my favourite uncle, dad, brother, or man around in my life and getting things sorted without lifting a finger. But now, the independent me? She’s proud. She’s figuring it out. Slowly. Messily. But doing it.

And let’s be real — it’s not a man-or-woman thing. My flatmate here is basically Wonder Woman. She fixes everything in our apartment with her armour of ten different screwdrivers and the precision of a surgeon. Me? I still prefer being the princess.
But this princess now carries her own toolkit.

So if you’re planning to move abroad, here’s my unsolicited advice: even if you learn nothing else, life will teach you everything. And honestly, that might be the best part.

Feel free to drop your learning after you moved out from your home!

Therapy isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about finding what makes you whole

When there’s chaos all around, what’s the thing that makes you pause?
When the world feels too loud, where does your dust settle?
What makes you feel calm, present, and just a little more you?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.
And oddly enough, my current obsession is Formula 1.

Yes — I know it’s hyped up these days. But the real reason I got interested wasn’t the speed, the glitz, or the million-dollar sponsorships. It started with a Netflix series (F1: The Academy, Women Drivers) that pointed out something I couldn’t unsee: the lack of female drivers in the sport. A male-dominated field with barely any women behind the wheel. That curiosity pulled me in.

But as I dug deeper, it wasn’t just about gender disparity anymore. I was fascinated by the fact that these drivers sit inside a car and race lap after lap for two straight hours — not just for the money, but because the adrenaline, the rush, the speed makes them feel alive. It’s not just a sport for them, it’s like breathing. It’s their oxygen.

And it made me ask myself — what is my oxygen?
When do I feel that rush, that breath of life in the middle of everyday hustle?

For me, it’s cooking my own meals.
I’m not a fancy chef. Half the time, I don’t even remember whether I added salt or not. Some days, I screw up the entire dish because my mind’s a storm of stress and thoughts. And here’s a thing people often say — “You should only cook when you’re calm.”
Well, I disagree.

Because for me, the act of cooking is what brings me calm.
No matter how my day’s been, if I go three days without cooking, I feel lost, disconnected, like I’m floating somewhere without an anchor. But the moment I get back to it — chopping vegetables, hearing spices sizzle, stirring a sauce — I feel better. The chaos outside still exists, but for those minutes, I’m present. I’m here.

And of course, eating the meal is a whole other joy. But it’s not just about the destination — it’s the journey that makes it meaningful. The small, unremarkable, wonderfully ordinary moments that slowly stitch you back to yourself.

These are the recent meals, I cooked from left to right.
Naan with Palak Paneer — served with fresh salad, tangy pickle, and chaas (a refreshing yogurt drink)
Pav Bhaji — a classic, comforting street food from India
Flat Noodles with Spring Rolls — a quick, flavourful meal for those noodle cravings
Khichdi — a simple, wholesome dish known for being easy on the stomach and great for boosting immunity and metabolism

So if you’re reading this right now — ask yourself:
When was the last time you felt truly alive, truly present?

Maybe it’s a 10-hour gaming session.
Maybe it’s getting dressed up for no reason.
Maybe it’s impulsively booking that flight you swore you wouldn’t.
Or sitting in a quiet café, watching people.
Or venting to a friend for two hours straight.

Whatever it is — that’s your therapy. And it matters.
Because it’s about you.

If you feel like it, drop a comment and tell me what yours is. I’d love to hear.