Rahul Gandhi opens up about outlasting pressure to get married for 30 years; how people in demanding jobs can benefit from support systems

The question of Rahul Gandhi’s marital status seems to be a recurring topic of interest, surfacing once more during his recent visit to Srinagar. This time, it was women students who posed the question, highlighting the curiosity that surrounds the personal lives of public figures. 

The Congress leader appears to be conversing with a few women in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in a series of videos that he posted on Monday. Sharing one of the clips on Instagram, Gandhi wrote, “What about marriage pressure? Listen to what these youngsters from Kashmir have to say…”

A student asks him in the viral video, “What do you think about marriage?” to which he replies, “I have outlasted that pressure for 20-30 years.” He adds, “But it is a good thing.”

“Sir, do you plan to get married?” asks another student. “Yeah, yeah. I mean, I don’t plan it. But if it happens…,” he replies. “Please do and also invite us,” another student says. “I will. I will,” he promises.

 

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A post shared by Rahul Gandhi (@rahulgandhi)

For someone in a highly demanding and stressful career like politics, the ability to balance personal relationships and professional commitments is often scrutinised. This leads to a broader question: Is it possible for individuals in high-stress, high-demand careers to maintain successful personal relationships, including marriage? 

Key challenges individuals in stressful careers face 

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “The key challenges faced by individuals in demanding careers primarily revolve around time constraints, emotional fatigue, and conflicting priorities.”

Highly stressful jobs often require long working hours, weekend commitments, and frequent travel, she says. This leaves little time for personal relationships, making it hard to be present emotionally and physically.

She adds, “High-pressure environments drain individuals emotionally, leaving them with little energy for personal interactions. This can lead to emotional disconnection with spouses or partners, who may feel neglected.”

The nature of their jobs often makes it difficult to balance work and home life. Career demands can sometimes force individuals to make tough choices that prioritise professional goals over personal relationships, causing tension and dissatisfaction in marriages.

Balancing professional responsibilities and personal lives

Cadabam asserts, ‘Balancing such a demanding career with personal life requires intentional effort, strong communication, and prioritisation. It’s essential to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.”

Allocating time intentionally for personal relationships — much like one would schedule professional meetings — can help balance responsibilities. For individuals in stressful careers, the key is to make the most of the time they do have. 

Regular emotional check-ins with their partner can help individuals stay connected and address any feelings of neglect or dissatisfaction before they fester, shares Cadabam.

Regular emotional check-ins with their partner can help individuals stay connected (Source: Freepik)

Strategies and support systems for managing stress while balancing career and personal life

Individuals in high-demand careers can benefit greatly from support systems and strategies designed to manage stress and maintain balance.

“Couples therapy or individual counselling can help individuals in demanding careers navigate the emotional and psychological stress that comes with their roles. Therapy provides a space to express concerns, develop coping mechanisms, and build stronger relationships,” notes Cadabam.

She adds, “Learning to delegate professional tasks and taking time off are essential for preventing burnout. Practising mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can help individuals manage their stress levels.”

Building a strong support network, whether through friends, family, or professional mentors, can provide much-needed emotional support and guidance. Support networks help individuals handle stress and maintain perspective in their personal and professional lives.

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