Ahead of Karva Chauth, fashion designer Anjali Phougat reflects on what makes a relationship last, looking beyond grand romantic gestures to the everyday choices that build trust and understanding.

“To me, being a good partner means being emotionally present, respectful, and dependable. It is about creating a space where both people feel heard, valued, and free to grow,” she said.

She feels a healthy relationship allows both individuals to retain their identity while growing together. “A meaningful partnership is built on mutual respect, not possession, and on the understanding that both individuals remain complete in themselves,” she said.

She also believes couples must continue discovering each other, even after years together. “People are constantly evolving, and a relationship remains alive when we remain curious about one another,” she said. Paying attention to changing dreams, fears, and aspirations, she added, helps prevent familiarity from turning into complacency.

Anjali feels the idea of a perfect relationship can create unnecessary pressure. Instead, she values honest communication, the ability to resolve disagreements, and the willingness to take responsibility. “A meaningful relationship is not free from challenges; it is one in which both people face those challenges with maturity, kindness, and accountability,” she said.

For couples balancing demanding careers and busy schedules, she recommends, “Time may not always be abundant, but attention can still be sincere.”

When it comes to expressing love, Anjali believes the smallest gestures often matter most. “It could be preparing a cup of tea the way your partner likes it, checking in after a difficult day, listening without immediately offering solutions, or quietly taking responsibility when the other person is overwhelmed,” she said.

Her advice to her younger self would be to protect her individuality while loving someone else. “A healthy relationship should expand your life, not diminish your sense of self,” she said, emphasizing the importance of respect, emotional safety, and shared values.

Ultimately, Anjali believes lasting love is built through everyday consideration rather than dramatic declarations. “Love is often found in consistency, in the everyday decision to make another person’s life a little lighter,” she said.