Contrary to popular belief, a recent survey conducted by matrimonial website Jeevansathi.com has found that 80 per cent of girls today prefer to live with their in-laws after marriage. The girls have had their say, but guys are not entirely convinced by this report. So, does it hit close to home, or is it way off the mark? We find out.
Model Niketan Madhok reasons, “If you have the luxury of moving into a big house with your in-laws, where you have an entire floor or wing to yourselves, then why not? Parents also won’t be disturbed if you come home late and nowadays, they’re much more broadminded and easy to get along with.”
There are many advantages of living with in-laws, he points out. “Young couples may not be able to afford a comfortable place on their own. And moving in with in-laws means you don’t have the hassles of running a household. I think it’s the ideal situation.”
It’s definitely a practical move, agrees actor Vivan Bhatena. Vivan and his wife Nikhila live with his mother, he says. “My wife and my mom get along well and I think that’s very important in the long run. It’s nice to have someone to share household responsibilities with and also, it’s good for us as both my wife and I are very career-oriented. Since my mom stays with us, we always have someone to look after us,” he explains.
But it doesn’t always have to be the girl who’s moving in with the guy’s parents. “Even I lived with my in-laws for a while when my house was getting done. It’s very convenient — not a bad deal at all,” adds Vivan.
However, the joint family is not for everyone, feels DJ Vishnu. “I think it depends entirely on upbringing. I’m married and my wife and I live on our own. I value my privacy. But for others, living in a joint family could be a family tradition. That’s a different environment altogether,” he opines.
“I find it very hard to believe that most women prefer to live with their in-laws,” echoes photographer Shibu Arakkal. “There’s no denying the fact that it’s convenient if both spouses are working, especially if there is a child in the picture, but the cost of that convenience is one’s privacy and independence. It may work for a select set of people, but I’m skeptikal about it being the norm for today’s woman.”