Un-Instagramable Love | Marriage Advice for Desi's (Ft. Farheen Raza)
Wed Feb 04 2026
This week on Dil Ki Recipes, we peel back the filters and talk real marriage, not the Instagram version. From “trad wife” trends to financial expectations, unrealistic expectations, social media comparisons, pressures, setting healthy boundaries, “trad wife” ideals to in-laws, money, and the myth of perfection in marriage, this conversation is to provide insight for anyone in a marriage, especially Desi couples.
💬 Guest: Farheen Raza (@authentic.unfiltered)🌐 https://www.farheenraza.com/
⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
2:14 - Instagrammable marriage vs. reality
3:04 - How social media affects marriage expectations (reels vs. real life)
5:48 - Unrealistic expectations from social media reels
6:29 - The "trad wife" trend and gender expectations
7:30 - Domestic help differences between South Asia and Western homes
8:14 - What couples think marriage is vs. what it actually is
9:11 - Unreasonable expectations in marriage (ideal responses, perfectionism)
10:30 - The problem with "winning" arguments in marriage
11:54 - Giving each other grace and communication
13:30 - Expectations audit for couples (othering the issue vs. blame game)
14:54 - Valentine's Day bag story - managing expectations
16:33 - Money expectations and symbolism in relationships
17:24 - Values vs. budget conversations
18:30 - Codependency and maintaining individuality in marriage
20:30 - Financial pressure and social media comparisons
21:11 - Women's education and changing gender dynamics
22:30 - Values-based approach to weddings and experiences
24:41 - The "if-then" vs. "AND" formula in relationships
25:30 - Traditional vs. modern marriage templates
26:27 - Over-functioning and unreasonable expectations from parents
27:53 - Money symbolism and generational differences
28:30 - Marketing your spouse to in-laws
29:31 - Cultural criticism vs. praise in South Asian culture
31:37 - Mothers-in-law perpetuating unrealistic expectations
32:18 - Setting boundaries with intrusive in-laws
33:43 - "Your family, your mess" - protecting your partner
35:34 - Inequity in effort with in-laws
36:10 - Treating each other's family as a love language
37:42 - Healthy boredom in marriage
38:50 - Simple daily rituals vs. grand gestures
40:30 - Equity and balance in separate activities
42:10 - Social media consumption and mental health
43:31 - Myths about marriage (happy couples don't fight, etc.)
🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below!
✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com
🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform
Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com
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This week on Dil Ki Recipes, we peel back the filters and talk real marriage, not the Instagram version. From “trad wife” trends to financial expectations, unrealistic expectations, social media comparisons, pressures, setting healthy boundaries, “trad wife” ideals to in-laws, money, and the myth of perfection in marriage, this conversation is to provide insight for anyone in a marriage, especially Desi couples. 💬 Guest: Farheen Raza (@authentic.unfiltered)🌐 https://www.farheenraza.com/ ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 2:14 - Instagrammable marriage vs. reality 3:04 - How social media affects marriage expectations (reels vs. real life) 5:48 - Unrealistic expectations from social media reels 6:29 - The "trad wife" trend and gender expectations 7:30 - Domestic help differences between South Asia and Western homes 8:14 - What couples think marriage is vs. what it actually is 9:11 - Unreasonable expectations in marriage (ideal responses, perfectionism) 10:30 - The problem with "winning" arguments in marriage 11:54 - Giving each other grace and communication 13:30 - Expectations audit for couples (othering the issue vs. blame game) 14:54 - Valentine's Day bag story - managing expectations 16:33 - Money expectations and symbolism in relationships 17:24 - Values vs. budget conversations 18:30 - Codependency and maintaining individuality in marriage 20:30 - Financial pressure and social media comparisons 21:11 - Women's education and changing gender dynamics 22:30 - Values-based approach to weddings and experiences 24:41 - The "if-then" vs. "AND" formula in relationships 25:30 - Traditional vs. modern marriage templates 26:27 - Over-functioning and unreasonable expectations from parents 27:53 - Money symbolism and generational differences 28:30 - Marketing your spouse to in-laws 29:31 - Cultural criticism vs. praise in South Asian culture 31:37 - Mothers-in-law perpetuating unrealistic expectations 32:18 - Setting boundaries with intrusive in-laws 33:43 - "Your family, your mess" - protecting your partner 35:34 - Inequity in effort with in-laws 36:10 - Treating each other's family as a love language 37:42 - Healthy boredom in marriage 38:50 - Simple daily rituals vs. grand gestures 40:30 - Equity and balance in separate activities 42:10 - Social media consumption and mental health 43:31 - Myths about marriage (happy couples don't fight, etc.) 🧠 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below! ✨ If you have any questions regarding other topics? Please email info@dilkirecipes.com 🔔 Follow Dil Ki Recipes everywhere at @dilkirecipes or visit www.dilkirecipes.com & listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more by looking for "Dil Ki Recipes" on your preferred streaming platform Produced by HAZZE MEDIA | A part of the HAZZE MEDIA Podcast Network | To Learn More, visit: www.hazzemedia.com