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Do we ever really listen?

Thursday, January 11, 2007 In a charming café, Anjalika and I discover that quietly listening is an art, more powerful than voicing opinions. Through conversations and humour, we explore the depths of communication, where silence speaks volumes. Sometimes, the best thing we can offer is our attention—making someone feel heard, understood, and validated. Have you ever tried to really listen to someone? Not just nodding along while internally planning your next grocery list or mentally constructing a winning argument, but actually giving them your full attention. I had no idea how hard that was until I met Anjalika. And let me tell you, it is both an art and a challenge. It all started on a Tuesday, in one of those quaint cafés where the air smells like fresh coffee, burnt toast, and a pinch of procrastination. You know the type—wooden tables, potted plants hanging like they belong in a Pinterest board, and overly enthusiastic baristas who refuse to believe you just want black coffee. I

Book Review: An Old-Fashioned Girl by Betty Neels

A tale of unexpected romance and the charm of simplicity In Betty Neels’ An Old-Fashioned Girl , a quiet country girl with a sharp tongue and an unconventional style finds herself in the orbit of a wealthy Dutch surgeon, Julius van der Beek. Though Patience is far from the glamorous women typically drawn to Julius, her sincerity and strength slowly make her stand out. Neels’ classic blend of slow-burn romance and heartwarming character development makes this 1993 Mills & Boon release a must-read for fans of traditional love stories. What makes a n Old-Fashioned Girl a like-able read? Have you ever wondered if opposites really do attract? In An Old-Fashioned Girl , Betty Neels introduces us to Patience Martin, a quiet country girl with no desire to fit the mold of a cosmopolitan beauty. Standing in contrast to Julius van der Beek, a wealthy Dutch surgeon who seems worlds apart from her, the story explores whether the divide between them is truly as wide as it appears. Who is Patien

Can we really expect a "Sorry" from our toxic parents?

Sometimes, the fragile hope that our toxic parents will change keeps us trapped. This humorous yet deeply poignant tale follows the journey of a protagonist who learns that seeking apologies from those who wronged them can delay healing. Through witty conversations and vibrant storytelling, we explore how moving forward without waiting for closure brings peace and self-acceptance. The universe would probably implode if my mother ever apologized for anything. She once over boiled  the milk but spent two decades insisting I had distracted her by breathing too loudly . Classic Mum. But despite her stellar track record of not owning up to her nonsense, a part of me – that inner child still waiting for Santa – secretly clung to the hope that, one day, she might just utter the magic words: I’m sorry . Spoiler alert: I am still waiting. You’d think by the time you hit your thirties (give or take), you’d grow out of these childish longings. Yet, they are hard to shake. My therapist – a marvell

Book Review of Amul’s India: A Toast to Amul’s 50-Year legacy

A Toast to Amul’s 50-Year Legacy: Celebrating India, One Hoarding at a Time A Review of Amul’s India: Based on 50 Years of Amul Advertising by daCunha Communications If you’ve ever driven past a billboard in India and found yourself smiling at a witty, clever little ad featuring the famous Amul girl, you’re already familiar with what Amul’s India represents. This delightful book, filled with iconic advertisements, chronicles India’s cultural, political, and social landscape through the eyes of the nation’s most beloved butter girl. For half a century, the Amul hoardings have captured the pulse of the country, delivering humorous and sharp commentary on everything from cricket to politics. In this fresh edition, Amul’s India not only updates us on recent events but also invites readers to peek behind the curtain at the creation of these timeless ads. How Does Amul's India Capture the Nation's Heart? The magic of Amul lies in its ability to represent India—its joys, its co

You can appreciate someone yet recognise their potential to become better

It is perfectly fine to appreciate people for who they are. But let us face it—settling for mediocrity when you can recognise someone’s potential to be better is not an act of love. It is like having the world’s most fertile soil but never planting a seed. Why would you allow someone you care about to stop growing when you know they have the capacity for so much more? True love is not about promoting complacency; it is about challenging those you love to rise above mediocrity and become the best version of themselves. So, why not inspire greatness, invoke change, and push them to blossom? Is it possible to appreciate someone while pushing them to grow? Why should you challenge someone you love to be better? How can recognizing someone’s potential lead to positive change? Can complacency in relationships stunt personal growth? How do you inspire someone to embrace change? What role does fear play in resisting growth? Why is change a constant and unavoidable part of life? How does promot

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your Ability to Cut People Off and self-Isolate is Not a Skill You Should Be Proud Of—It’s a Trauma response Summary Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it’s often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In f

Hyundai India IPO: Everything you need to know about India’s largest public offering

Update on the Hyundai India IPO – As of 10th October 2024 Today is 10 th October 2024 , and we are now firmly in countdown mode for what is set to be the largest IPO in Indian history , valued at Rs 27,870 crore. Since we first shared the news, there have been a few key updates worth noting. Hyundai India is set to launch the biggest IPO in Indian history, surpassing even LIC’s record-breaking float. With an approximate price band of Rs 1,865 to Rs 1,960, this IPO has caught the attention of every investor. Up for grabs is 17.5% of the company through a sale of over 14.2 crore equity shares.We break down its key financials, Hyundai's market position, EV plans, and whether large IPOs truly succeed in India. What is the story behind Hyundai India? The story of Hyundai in India is nothing short of extraordinary. Launched in 1996, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) quickly became a household name, entering a market previously dominated by Maruti Suzuki. It was the introduction of the icon