This week on Dil Ki Recipes, we peel back the filters and talk real marriage, not the Instagram version. From “trad wife” trends to financial expectations, unrealistic expectations, social media comparisons, pressures, setting healthy boundaries, “trad wife” ideals to in-laws, money, and the myth of perfection in marriage, this conversation is to provide insight for anyone in a marriage, especially Desi couples.

💬 Guest: Farheen Raza (@authentic.unfiltered)🌐 https://www.farheenraza.com/

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:

2:14 - Instagrammable marriage vs. reality

3:04 - How social media affects marriage expectations (reels vs. real life)

5:48 - Unrealistic expectations from social media reels

6:29 - The "trad wife" trend and gender expectations

7:30 - Domestic help differences between South Asia and Western homes

8:14 - What couples think marriage is vs. what it actually is

9:11 - Unreasonable expectations in marriage (ideal responses, perfectionism)

10:30 - The problem with "winning" arguments in marriage

11:54 - Giving each other grace and communication

13:30 - Expectations audit for couples (othering the issue vs. blame game)

14:54 - Valentine's Day bag story - managing expectations

16:33 - Money expectations and symbolism in relationships

17:24 - Values vs. budget conversations

18:30 - Codependency and maintaining individuality in marriage

20:30 - Financial pressure and social media comparisons

21:11 - Women's education and changing gender dynamics

22:30 - Values-based approach to weddings and experiences

24:41 - The "if-then" vs. "AND" formula in relationships

25:30 - Traditional vs. modern marriage templates

26:27 - Over-functioning and unreasonable expectations from parents

27:53 - Money symbolism and generational differences

28:30 - Marketing your spouse to in-laws

29:31 - Cultural criticism vs. praise in South Asian culture

31:37 - Mothers-in-law perpetuating unrealistic expectations

32:18 - Setting boundaries with intrusive in-laws

33:43 - "Your family, your mess" - protecting your partner

35:34 - Inequity in effort with in-laws

36:10 - Treating each other's family as a love language

37:42 - Healthy boredom in marriage

38:50 - Simple daily rituals vs. grand gestures

40:30 - Equity and balance in separate activities

42:10 - Social media consumption and mental health

43:31 - Myths about marriage (happy couples don't fight, etc.)

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

We are kicking off season 3 of with a new episode of Dil Ki Recipes by Dr. Sheeza Mohsin! Today, I sit down with Sana Kheiri, CPC, ELI-MP, CPDS — a certified coach who helps South Asian families raise emotionally aware and compassionate teens.

Together, we unpack why Desi parents often misunderstand their teenagers, how emotional energy shapes daily interactions, and what it looks like to move from control to connection.

Whether you're a parent overwhelmed by constant conflict or a teen caught between two worlds, this episode offers practical and culturally grounded insights into:

• Understanding your teen’s emotional energy

• Shifting from blame to belonging

• Breaking generational patterns around achievement and respect

• Creating safe spaces for emotional honesty

💬 Guest: Sana Kheiri (@claritycoaching)🌐 yourclaritycoach.net📖 Also mentioned: Dr. Sheeza’s book Behind Closed Doors available here: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Closed-Doors-Emotional-conflicting/dp/1661168493

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:

0:46 – Who is Sana Kheiri?

2:48 – What “energy” means in coaching

3:39 - Energy levels: survival mode vs. awareness/compassion

4:24 - What parents should notice about their teenagers' energy

5:02 - South Asian families and duty/achievement-focused energy

6:18 – How to shift from blame to connection in parent-teen relationships

7:42 – Desi teens and the exhaustion of code-switching

8:01 - Case example: 16-year-old girl hiding herself to avoid disappointing mom

8:41 - Programming kids to disconnect emotionally

9:17 - Importance of asking open-ended questions

9:56 - Parents misreading teen behavior as rejection

10:54 - Stigma around working with coaches/therapists in Desi community

11:33 – Stigma around therapy and coaching

13:00 - Perfectionism in Desi culture ("nothing to fix")

15:48 - Guiding parents: moving from control to curiosity

16:49 – How to ask better questions as a parent

17:10 - Balancing "we" of culture and "me" of individual identity

17:46 - Homes as places of belonging vs. places of performance

19:49 – Telling kids “I understand how hard it is”

20:06 - Kids challenged by social belonging, not academics

22:05 - The word "respect" in Desi culture

22:45 – Red flags: When kids seem “too perfect”

23:52 - Respect is earned vs. given based on age

24:33 - Treating children with respect at home and in public

24:50 - Final message for teenagers: "Your worth isn't measured by approval"

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

How emotionally intelligent are we—and how can we help the next generation do even better?🌱

Emotional Intelligence expert Hiba Tanvir (@ht_compassion) unpacks why EQ is the REAL foundation for success—at home, in school, and at work on Dil Ki Recipes with Dr. Sheeza Mohsin.

Hiba Tanvir is a thought leader in Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the founder of HT Compassion, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to integrating EI into leadership and organizational development. Her innovative approach blends cutting-edge brain science with real-world application, empowering individuals and teams to drive meaningful, lasting change.

💬 “I help individuals, leaders, and teams FEEL better at work and home—merging the science of Emotional Intelligence with the creativity of Play-Doh, crayons, and wooden blocks.” - Hiba Tanvir

Connect with Hiba:

Facebook: @Hiba Tanvir

Instagram: @ht_compassion

YouTube: HT Compassion

Website: www.htcompassion.com

Book: Available here on Amazon / https://a.co/d/dPpyLSC

TIMESTAMPS ⏲00:41 — What Is Emotional Intelligence in Real Life?

02:00 — Hiba’s Background & Book Launch

04:15 — Why Emotional Intelligence Really Matters

06:50 — EQ in Parenting: Normalizing Struggles

08:14 — “Kumon for Emotional Intelligence” Analogy

08:55–09:55 — “Name It to Tame It” Technique

11:44 — Play-Doh Exercise for Emotional Regulation

12:45 — South Asian Parenting & Emotional Development

13:38 — Delayed Independence in South Asian Children

16:37 — How EQ Shapes Academic & Career Success

18:27–20:00 — EQ in the AI Era (Modern Workplace Context)

25:30 — Gender, Culture, and Emotions: Boys vs. Girls

27:19–End — Final Reflections & How to Learn More

🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com

🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform

Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com

#EmotionalIntelligence #Parenting #EQ #LeadershipDevelopment #SouthAsianCommunity #HTCompassion #EmotionalHealth