Marriage Masala: You are my Star

Marriage Masala is a collection of “spices” offered to couples — ingredients you can blend into your marriage to enrich family life, just as you grind spices into your masalas to make your curries tastier. Here is a flavourful sample to bring more fun, love, and inspiration to any couple willing to blend it into their own unique relationship. We hope you enjoy this together!

We Train Our Children to Be Polite

We constantly remind children to be courteous —
“Say thank you to Uncle Ashok for the chocolate.”
“Don’t rush past Mrs J.”
“Greet Auntie Beulah.”
“If you bump into Roshan, say ‘Excuse me’ or ‘I’m sorry’.”

When guests visit, we go the extra mile to make them feel welcome. India is known worldwide for hospitality — nothing is too much trouble! A spontaneous meal is cooked joyfully, the best bed is given to the visitor, and we ensure every need is taken care of.

But… We Take Each Other for Granted

Somehow, these same courtesies rarely find their way into our most important relationship — marriage. In the early days, yes, the husband may bring gifts and compliment his wife’s beauty, and she responds with appreciation. But over the years, what happens to all that attentiveness, kindness, and simple good manners?

Take One

Rajan returns from the office. He rushes into the bedroom to change.

“Coffee ready?” he calls out.
No greeting. No eye contact.
Sharon, helping the children with homework, quietly makes the coffee and puts it on the table.

Without a thank you, or even looking at her, he says,
“Oh, by the way love, I’ve invited friends for dinner. Hope there’s a good meal ready.”

She walks back to the kitchen. He flips TV channels.

Rajan and Sharon are not unhappy — but over time, they’ve begun taking each other for granted.

Take Two

Rajan returns home, tired and longing for coffee.

“Hello, love,” he says, squeezing Sharon’s shoulders as she helps Priya with homework.
“How’s your day been?”

“We need to talk about whether I can work next Saturday,” she replies. “Coffee?”

“Yes please!”

He joins her in the kitchen, wrapping his arms around her as she stirs in the sugar.

“Mmm… that smells good. And so do you, and so does—”

“Hey! No time for that now,” she laughs, teasing him as she hands him the cup.

“Thanks, love. Oh, by the way — my friends asked if they could come over for dinner. I told them I’d check with you first. Tomorrow night?”

“Sure — I’ve got a half day tomorrow. That’ll be fine.”

“Sharon, you’re my star,” he says, breathing in the peace of home and taking a long sip of coffee.

A Special Look, a Hug, a Kiss — That’s All It Takes

When a partner comes home yet immediately rushes into an activity without a greeting — or acknowledges others before their spouse — it can feel hurtful. A missed moment of love. After all, we would never treat guests that way!

Do we still say:

• “Thank you”

• “Would it work for you if…?”

• “Is this okay with you?”

   

Simple phrases like these recognise that our partner has needs too — they tell them:
“I see you. I value you.”

Do we still greet each other warmly after being apart, even for a short time?
A hug, a smile, or a peck on the cheek can say:
“I’m glad you’re home.”

Your Life Partner is Your Most Important Person

When they arrive home safely after navigating traffic chaos and long hours — show your gladness! We cannot afford to take each other for granted.

Give the extra look.
Say “hello” and “goodbye.”
Add kindness to the daily routine.

Recognise afresh how precious your partner is — and demonstrate it through thoughtful details.

✨ He or she is your STAR! ✨