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!

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