Sahil Bajaj

I believe I can create clarity around relationships, especially communication, expectations, and emotional safety. Many relationship challenges are not only about what happened, but also about how people interpret it, what they expect from each other, and what remains unsaid. I enjoy helping people pause, look at a situation from different perspectives, recognise assumptions, and understand what they may be contributing to it. My aim is not to tell someone what decision to make, but to help them see the situation more clearly so they can make a more thoughtful decision themselves. --------------- A friend of mine was feeling low because of certain expectations from her in-laws that she was not comfortable with. She also had some concerns about things they did that she found difficult to accept. I started by listening calmly, without judging or immediately suggesting a solution. I asked questions to understand what specific expectations were involved, how frequently these situations occurred, and what affected her mood the most. As we spoke, I helped her look at the situation from a broader perspective. I explained that having expectations of one another is a natural part of human behaviour, but it is neither realistic nor necessary to fulfil everyone's expectations. Recognising this can help us respond more thoughtfully rather than feeling pressured or inadequate. We then discussed practical steps she could take. I encouraged her to have an open conversation with her in-laws—not just to express why certain expectations were difficult for her, but also to listen to and understand why those expectations mattered to them. From there, they could explore common ground, mutually comfortable boundaries, or alternative ways of meeting each other's needs. The conversation helped her move from feeling overwhelmed by the situation to seeing that there were constructive ways to approach it. My role was not to decide who was right or wrong, but to help her understand the situation, consider another perspective, and identify a possible way forward. --------- I am not the right person for someone who needs clinical mental-health support, diagnosis, therapy, or crisis intervention. I would encourage them to connect with a qualified professional. I am also not the right mentor for someone looking for a quick verdict, someone to take sides, or someone to make their decisions for them. My approach is based on listening, reflection, and helping people examine different perspectives. It works best when someone is willing to be open, think honestly about their situation, and take responsibility for their next steps. ----- I wouldn’t say there is one big decision I would make differently. I believe that every decision I made was the best I could make at that particular point in time, based on the circumstances, understanding, and information I had. I prefer not to look back at past decisions with regret. Instead, I try to understand what each experience taught me and focus on moving forward positively. With time, our perspectives and priorities evolve, but that doesn’t necessarily make our earlier decisions wrong. For me, it is more important to learn from the past, accept what I cannot change, and make the best possible choices with the understanding I have today. ------ I used to associate success strongly with continuous progress—moving ahead, achieving more, taking on bigger responsibilities, and reaching the next milestone. I now question whether more always means better. Success should not come at the cost of peace, meaningful relationships, health, or the ability to enjoy the life we are working so hard to build. I believe success is also about being comfortable with your choices, having relationships where people feel safe and understood, and making progress without constantly feeling that something is missing. For me, the question is gradually shifting from “How much more can I achieve?” to “Am I building a life that I actually want to live?”