13 July,2009 09:37 AM IST | | Navdeep Kaur Marwah
British heartthrob Robert Pattinson is facing a love dilemma; his aunt has advised him against falling for his Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart. How pivotal is family and friends' approval in matters of the heart? FYI finds out who to listen to dil ki ya duniyawaalon ki
Ben Stein had once said, "Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement...all success... all achievement in real life grows." Hence, it's obvious that decisions related to romantic life become so crucial for most of us.
And somehow matters of your heart become as important to friends and family alike, who offer unsolicited advice from time to time. Just like the way actor Robert Pattinson has been receiving cautionary advice from his aunt lately.
The Twilight hunk's aunt Diana Nutley counseled him not to get romantically involved with his vampire series co-actor, Kristen Stewart. "I don't think it would be a good idea for Robert to be in a serious relationship with Kristen. How can he live his life with a fellow star, with their every move being watched just like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes?", she said in an interview to a US magazine, Life & Style. Guidance or gut feeling u2013 what should you choose?
Youngistan says follow your heart
Tavleen Kaur
HR executive
Friends are great help and at times they could be absolutely right in judging a prospective partner. But you have to make sure that a friend isn't being over-protective or bossy. It can lead to too many complications.
Mayank Barolia
Freelance artist
Be true to yourself, otherwise you will just end up living your life to please everyone else. And if your friends bail out on you when you chose to follow your heart, then I think they aren't great friends to begin with.
Sanyam Nagalia
Media professional
When it comes to relationships one should follow their instinct. At the end of the day, it's your life and you are responsible for your own decisions. Family and friends can be your advisors, but they should not be controlling your life.
This couple followed their hearts
School friends Shweta Shahi (25) and Nikhil Choudharyu00a0 (26) have been dating for the past four years. The couple shunned others' advice on their association and decided to take their relationship forward. "If one has complete faith in his/her partner and is totally convinced about the relationship, others' opinions hardly matter. Sure, family and friends mean well, but in the end it's your decision, believe this couple.
Family, friends advice is as important as your own discretion
Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Sir Gangaram Hospital, Dr Arti Anand believes clarity in thoughts is extremely important. One should take time to understand the prospective partner before getting into a relationship. "Hasty decisions will yield ineffective associations, which will be disliked by both parents and pals," she opines. When it comes to picking partners, family and friends' feedback is as important (if not more) as is your discretion. But remember:
>> If your partner fits your gang of friends, then life becomes easier. But don't force them to gel together.
>> One needs to be sure of what he/she wants. Don't leave your partner because somebody in your friend circle or family feels he/she is not right for you. You should be the
deciding authority.
>> Approach the situation with an open mind. At times, a third person's view gives a better perspective of the scenario.
>> Nobody will truly understand a situation when it's related to your own heart. You have to keep nerves under control and not let outsiders' opinions influence you to a large extent.
