Do people really get bored? Sometimes I find myself wondering about the true nature of people’s feelings. Are they really bored, or is there something deeper behind it? I’ve begun to question whether relationships and friendships truly matter. Are people genuinely connected, or are they pretending for their own selfish reasons? It seems like selfishness may have tightened the bond between them, rather than love or care. I find it hard to understand why some people stay together. Are they staying out of convenience, or are they genuinely invested in one another?
I often ask myself these kinds of questions. But who am I to question such things? I admit that I haven’t experienced these kinds of deep relationships or friendships myself. Perhaps that’s why these thoughts feel foreign to me. I wonder if friends are even that important. After all, I believe that you can live contentedly with just your family. Friends often seem to come into your life for their own selfish reasons, not because they genuinely care. In today’s world, people seem to approach friendships with personal gain in mind, not with true affection or loyalty.
As I observe the world around me, I notice that we are living in an era that is heavily modernized. It’s an era where relationships are often transactional or superficial. People now find odd ways to seek pleasure, like engaging in casual dating, situationships, and even open marriages. These trends are especially prominent in Western countries but are now finding their way into places like India and other Asian cultures as well. With the name of “independent life,” people seem to do whatever they please, adopting foreign cultures without considering the impact.
Arranged marriages, which were once a symbol of cultural and familial unity, are no longer a priority for many families. Parents who uphold traditional values are finding it harder to find a suitable partner for their children. And this begs the question: whose fault is it? Is it the parents’ fault for not raising their children properly, for failing to teach them about limits and respect in the name of modernization? Or is it the children’s fault for ignoring their parents’ advice and following their own, often misguided, paths in the name of independence?
In many ways, the blame seems to fall on both sides. Parents may not be strict enough in instilling cultural values and boundaries, and children, in their pursuit of independence, often dismiss their family’s guidance. But is it just a family issue? Or is the government also responsible for this shift? Governments often impose policies and regulations that may, intentionally or unintentionally, promote a more liberal society, one that no longer upholds the traditional values that families once prioritized.
It is especially concerning to see how children today are learning from external influences rather than from their families. They are not being taught enough about “maryada” (limits) and boundaries within the family environment. Instead, they learn from the internet, social media, and popular culture. While these platforms offer a wealth of information, not all of it is beneficial. Children are exposed to both good and bad content, and it’s often difficult to discern the difference. For instance, vulgar movies, web series, and inappropriate content are easily accessible to young minds, and they are shaping how children perceive relationships, gender roles, and societal norms.
I can’t help but feel concerned about this. The rise of vulgarity in entertainment, along with the influence of social media, has made it difficult to teach children the difference between what is right and wrong. While I know that not all change is bad, it’s essential that we evolve without losing sight of the values that guide us toward a meaningful life. It’s easy to say that we must evolve with time, but what does that mean? Does evolving mean adopting everything from Western culture without question? Or does it mean finding a balance between modern values and traditional wisdom?
As time passes, I can’t help but feel that the modern world has become a place where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred. But at the same time, I acknowledge that we must adapt to the changing world. Yes, we need to evolve, but we also need to remember that evolving doesn’t mean abandoning what is good. We need to remind ourselves and our children that freedom and independence come with responsibility. Just because something is modern or fashionable doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone, nor does it mean that it aligns with our cultural values.
Children today face a difficult challenge: navigating a world that is vastly different from the one their parents knew. As parents, we must find ways to guide them without stifling their need for independence. As children, they must learn to respect the wisdom of their elders while also seeking their own paths. Ultimately, I believe it’s possible to strike a balance. We can be independent without disregarding our cultural roots. We can evolve without forgetting the values that have shaped us into who we are.
It’s easy to blame the younger generation for the changes we see around us, but the reality is far more complex. Yes, they are growing up in a world that is heavily influenced by modern technology, media, and entertainment, but they are also searching for a sense of identity and purpose. In many ways, they are learning as they go, without the clear guidance that previous generations may have had.
In the end, I believe it’s up to both parents and children to find a way to preserve what is good while adapting to what is new. We must teach the next generation to respect the limits and boundaries that make relationships and communities strong. We must also remind them that independence does not mean selfishness and that freedom should never come at the cost of cultural integrity. While the modern world presents many challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth and understanding—if only we can find the right balance.