A daughter-in-law must not be made to feel like an outcast within her own household. She must feel that she is respected and honoured. She leaves behind her parents, her childhood home, and her comfort zone to start a new life. At such a sensitive stage, she needs kindness and support more than criticism.
Rakshanda Gul
Family relationships were often built on love, patience, sacrifice, and emotional understanding. People believed that relationships were connected through blood, care, and responsibility. A daughter-in-law was treated like a daughter, and a mother-in-law was respected like a mother. Families lived together with unity, shared happiness and pain, and supported each other during difficult times. The beauty of those relationships was that people valued emotions more than personal benefit.
Nowadays, many things have been altered in society. Life has become convenient and full of opportunities; however, many bonds have started to weaken. Individuals are becoming self-centred. In many households, there has been a gradual erosion of emotional connections. Everyone is absorbed in his or her life and personal achievements. This is why many bonds that were once close and intimate are beginning to seem cold and impersonal.
One of the relationships most affected by this change is the relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. In the past, this relationship was often seen as a bond of guidance and care. A newly married girl entered her new home with fear and hope, and the family tried to make her feel accepted. She was slowly treated as a member of the family. If she did not have brothers or sisters nearby, her husband’s family became her support system. Her happiness, education, health, and dreams were considered important.
Today, many girls leave their homes after marriage and enter a completely new environment, but instead of emotional support, they sometimes face pressure, misunderstanding, and loneliness. Expectations are high, but understanding is low. Many people forget that a daughter-in-law is also someone’s daughter. She also has dreams, emotions, fears, and hopes. She leaves behind her parents, her childhood home, and her comfort zone to start a new life. At such a sensitive stage, she needs kindness and support more than criticism.
The biggest problem in today’s society is that many people only focus on responsibilities and forget humanity. Instead of building emotional connections, people often judge quickly. Small misunderstandings turn into major conflicts because patience and communication are missing. Families live under one roof, but emotionally remain far from each other. This situation affects relationships, mental peace and the overall environment of the home.
However, even in today’s time, there are beautiful examples that remind us that good families and strong relationships still exist. One such inspiring example is Dr Sumaira Manzoor. Her story teaches society an important lesson about support, trust, and empowerment within a family.
When Dr Sumaira Manzoor married, she had just graduated from her BSc studies. Like many other women, she stepped into marriage with many responsibilities. She concentrated on household affairs and on being a good wife and mother within her family. However, the most remarkable part of her story is the assistance she got from her in-laws. Rather than imposing any restrictions on her, they supported her in her decision to pursue higher education.
With the encouragement from her family, she got her B.Ed degree and then further proceeded to get a PhD. This marks her own accomplishment and also a family that has recognised the significance of a woman’s education and development. The example proves how, with a little assistance from the family, a woman can achieve greatness despite meeting her obligations.
This example is a strong message for society. A woman does not become weak after marriage. In fact, when she receives encouragement and respect, she becomes stronger and more confident. Families should understand that educating and empowering daughters-in-law is not a burden; it is an investment in the future of the family and society.
Unluckily, there are some women who, despite being highly talented, cannot pursue further education or career goals because they lack moral or psychological encouragement. Some women are asked to give up on their aspirations, and those who are made to feel guilty about their desire to accomplish anything. It is time for people to realise that one should be able to pursue their aspirations even while having a family.
The other significant topic to discuss nowadays is the comparison and egos in families. In many cases, relationships end up because one person tries to be right rather than finding out the truth. Arguments take the place of respect, and communication turns into silence. In such an atmosphere, love starts dying gradually. Family members need to keep in mind that harmony at home is created through patience and tolerance.
Parents also play an important role in shaping family relationships. Mothers should teach their sons to respect women and understand emotions. Sons should not only become good husbands but also supportive human beings. Similarly, daughters should also be taught the importance of patience, kindness, and communication. A strong family is built when everyone makes efforts together.
Modern-day technology has affected human behaviour, too. Humans now live perfect lives through social media while their actual lives are going on behind closed doors. Humans tend to feel emotionally distant due to the lesser amount of communication with their family members. Previously, humans were closer to each other; they would spend time together, eat together, talk about issues, and emotionally connect. Now people are physically present but not emotionally connected due to their cell phones.
Society must understand that progress is not only about money, education, or success. Real progress is when relationships become stronger, women feel respected, elders feel valued, and children grow up in loving homes. A successful society is one where daughters-in-law are treated with dignity and where every woman feels safe, heard, and appreciated.
It is necessary to get rid of negative images connected with mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. In movies, serials and on social media platforms, one can see that such relationships consist of only hate and conflict. Of course, difficulties are possible in any connection, but if people will always see negativity in everything, it will cause only fear and misunderstanding among individuals.
The story of Dr Sumaira Manzoor is one such positive example. It teaches us that a supportive family can completely change a woman’s life. Her achievements became possible because her family believed in her potential. This is the kind of thinking society needs today. When families support women, the entire community benefits because educated and confident women contribute positively to society, education, and future generations.
Question for all families: Are we fostering peace and positivity in our families, or are we fostering tension and negativity? No relationship can thrive solely on regulations and obligations. There must be some emotional bond, empathy, and appreciation. Small acts of kindness could change people’s lives forever.
A daughter-in-law must not be made to feel like an outcast within her own household. She must feel that she is respected and honoured. Likewise, a daughter-in-law must also respect the elders and cherish the culture of her family. It is only then that relationships become wonderful when one tries to understand rather than blame the other.
In conclusion, society is changing rapidly, but human values should never disappear. Love, support, respect, and understanding are the true foundations of strong families. We should learn from positive examples like Dr Sumaira Manzoor and realise the importance of supporting women after marriage. A daughter-in-law is not just someone who enters a house after marriage; she becomes part of a family’s future, emotions, and identity.
If families start treating daughters-in-law like daughters, many problems in society can be solved. Homes will become peaceful, women will feel empowered, and future generations will learn the true meaning of humanity and relationships. The need of today’s world is educated and emotionally understanding people who value relationships and support one another in every stage of life.
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