Family approval often plays an important role in the development of relationships, especially in close-knit families. For many couples, it’s not just love that drives them to introduce their partner to their parents. It’s about trust, security, and timing.
talk to E-TimesNupur Sanon recently reflected on how her relationship with singer Stevin Benn was gradually being accepted into the household even before the wedding celebrations began. She revealed that the first person she confided in was her younger sister Kriti Sanon, and spoke about their bond, saying, “Even though we are five years apart, we are very close and are like best friends.”
At the time, Stevin was just starting out professionally, and Nupur explained that she was more focused on who he was as a person than his accomplishments. “At the time, Stevin was just starting out as a professional, so he didn’t have much to show for it career-wise. I talked more about him as a person. I let her hear his voice, and she immediately said he had a magical voice and immense talent.”
When it came time to talk to her mother, Nupur admitted it was natural to feel hesitant. “A few months later, I told my mother about it. At first, like most mothers, she was a little apprehensive and cautious about the seriousness and the future.” It was Kriti who stepped in to bridge the gap. “Then my sister stepped in and said, ‘I’ve met Stevin. I’ve heard his story. He’s a very talented, hard-working guy,'” Nupur recalled. that Confidence changed everything” She added that Stevin’s ability to make a positive impression further fueled the problem. “And to be honest, Stevin leaves a great impression when he meets people, so everything went well from there.”
After five years of dating, Nupur and Stevin tied the knot earlier this month in a ceremony that celebrated both their cultures.
Nupur Sanon and Stevin Benn at their wedding (Source: Instagram/Nupur Sanon)
But why does reassurance from a trusted family member often play a decisive role in parents’ acceptance of the relationship?
Asul Raj, a counseling psychologist, told indianexpress.com: “In Indian families, hesitancy usually comes from fear rather than disapproval. Parents worry about safety, social status, emotional depression and long-term stability. The sense of security that comes from a sibling has weight because the person is seen as emotional but intelligent; the sibling understands the family values, unspoken rules, and social influences, but is not the one who loves them.
That way, their approval will feel balanced. It also relieves tension. Parents no longer feel cornered by one child. Instead, the family appears to be united. “This shift from confrontation to shared evaluation changes the emotional tone of the conversation. Less fear makes it easier to accept. Parents don’t need as much persuasion as it takes to feel that decisions were made thoughtfully within the family,” the experts say.
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How couples can overcome parental concerns when one partner is still making career and future plans
Marriage in India is still associated with predictability, so career uncertainty makes parents anxious. Large suggests that acknowledging concerns rather than ignoring them is more effective. “Parents need clear commitments, realistic timelines, financial awareness And a backup plan. It is also important for career partners to speak for themselves. ”
Small consistencies like regular work, discipline, and respectful communication will quietly build trust over time. Rather than asking parents to wait in anticipation, Raj says couples need to demonstrate that “uncertainty is being managed, not avoided.”