Doctor Reveals Why Many Indian Women Cant Say No To Marriage And Parental Pressure Says I Was Shamed And Forced

Christianez revealed that even being a doctor, one of the most respected professions, didn't shield her from intense parental pressure to marry. She said, “I didn’t want to get married to someone my parents chose, and I simply said ‘no’.” But a simple ‘no’ led to an invisible hand behind her neck that most Indian women have to deal with. Her parents used to force her to meet matches without her consent, and when she used to reject them, she was shamed for her standards. In fact, she was abused by her parents in a way no one can imagine.

Christianez alleged that the money she earned from her internships, which was deposited into a joint account she shared with her mother, was withdrawn by her parents, leaving her financially dependent. She was kept under constant surveillance so that she could not escape the pressure of marriage.

After she secured admission to a postgraduate program, Christianez alleged that her parents tried to have her removed from college by claiming she was a drug addict and mentally unstable. She was eventually able to leave the situation and now lives independently in Assam, away from her parents. She has since cut all ties with them.

In many Indian families, marriage is often seen as the solution to every problem, with parents treating it as the ultimate milestone for their children. Christianez argued that marriage is not like buying a dress. "If you don't wear a dress, it won't hurt its feelings," she said, emphasising that marriage involves real people and lasting commitments. It’s unfair to end up with a woman who doesn’t want them.

For many Indian parents, marriage is seen as both a responsibility and a societal obligation—one they feel compelled to fulfil, sometimes even at the expense of their children's happiness. Christianez underscored this by recalling what she says her father told her, “My status in society matters more than your happiness. I could even kill you if you shame me in our society.”

She captioned her post, stating, “What I am trying to say here, from my experience, is that familial coercion is often not just mental pressure; it is a systematic breaking down of a person who said no to change it to a yes. I wonder if anything at all of a human being will be left over after people who claimed to love you treat you this way to ensure their status in society is maintained.”

Her post sparked a wider conversation online about parental pressure and the societal expectations surrounding marriage for women.

One of the users commented, “This has to be one of the most horrifying things I've read about a so-called 'ordinary' Indian family. Much love, dear friend and may you love an ever more fulfilling life! The one goal I have as a parent is to make my child strong enough to say no - first to me, then to anyone else who dares demand her yes.”

Another user commented, “Indian parents are seriously the worst enemies of their children. They act as if they own them. Before anyone attacks me. You might have great parents, and that's good for you, but the majority of people I know, even in their 40s, have handled such toxicity, which affects their career, relationships and overall mental and physical health.”

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. This article is for informational purposes only.

Anukriti Srivastava thrives at the intersection of words and voice, where journalism meets storytelling. A digital editor and journalist with over 5 years of experience, she has written across lifestyle, women issues, relationships, entertainment, fashion, and travel. She did her Masters in Broadcast Journalism and has published more than 500+ lifestyle content pieces across platforms. As a former Sub-Editor at HerZindagi, she produced engaging digital content, interviews, and event coverage for a wide audience. She has also contributed as a Webstory Producer with Travel + Leisure, transforming travel experiences into immersive stories for readers who love exploring the world. Beyond writing, Anukriti’s storytelling extends to the microphone. As a voice-over artist, her warm and expressive voice has brought scripts to life across audio platforms, turning simple words into immersive experiences. Her work reflects a deep interest in people, culture, and everyday stories that resonate with readers and listeners alike. She enjoys crafting content that informs, inspires, and sparks curiosity. Away from screens and studios, you’ll find her reading self-help books, listening to music, getting lost in romantic novels, and playing the guitar for a creative reset. For Anukriti, storytelling isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of seeing and sharing the world.Read More