Renewed Alaap: Shame and Secrecy in Relationships

This month's topic: Trying to normalize the idea of dating before marriage in the South Asian community In this month's ALAAP episode, Unsha and Tasnova discuss the mental toll it takes to have to hide relationships before marriage in the South Asian community. It is a common concept in our generation that we tend to do this when we want to have/pursue a romantic relationship that may not lead to marriage at all. It may be parents or relatives or other people in our community who judge those who do this. However, this topic is never discussed in articles or other podcasts when it should be because this concept should be normalized in our community. There are physical and mental dangers of hiding and sneaking around. The mental damage of shame, fear, and guilt harms us daily; what street we can and can’t be on, what lie to say, and so much more. Unsha and Tasnova are open to admit that there aren’t concrete coping techniques for this, however, understanding that love is to be felt and experienced by all of us - the secrecy and shame can be stopped and you can do what you wish as long as you believe in that. Having this conversation, we hope brings other to be more open, so our generation can break this cycle of shame and secrecy in relationships. Please be sure to stay updated on the BMHM's IG (@bengalimentalhealthmvmnt) in order to catch the next topic and add in your own questions and comments, that may end up in an upcoming episode!