Establishing boundaries within families can help protect relationships and encourage personal growth. At the launch event for SCREEN magazine in Mumbai, Shraddha Kapoor discussed her family dynamics and how they maintain personal space. When asked if she relates to her character in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, Kapoor shared that she enjoys living with her family and revealed a unique system they use at home. “We make ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND) signs on paper and hang them on our doors when we need personal space. The rule is you can only knock or enter in case of an emergency. Otherwise, you wait until the sign is removed,” she said.
This practice of setting boundaries sparked interest in how such approaches can lead to healthier family dynamics, particularly in Indian households. Counseling psychologist Srishti Vatsa explained that while Indian families often prioritize attachment, this can sometimes suppress individuality. Setting boundaries can create a balance between closeness and personal space, allowing individuals to develop their own identity while maintaining family bonds. Vatsa emphasized that introducing boundaries gently is key to preserving these attachments.
She noted that physical boundaries like the DND signs Kapoor mentioned might seem practical in privileged households but can feel foreign in typical Indian homes where space is limited. In Indian culture, personal space isn’t always prioritized, and emotional closeness can lead to enmeshment, where one person’s feelings affect the whole family. However, for those able to establish personal space, it provides an opportunity to process emotions and return to the family dynamic with greater clarity.
Vatsa also suggested that for individuals who cannot find personal space within their household, seeking support from friends or a therapist can help maintain emotional balance.
