Love Or Obligation? How To Tell When Your Family Is Just Being Polite

In the realm of family life, love is often assumed, but genuine connection isn’t always guaranteed. Sometimes, family members tolerate one another out of obligation, masking indifference with politeness. There are subtle cues that reveal when someone’s presence is merely endured rather than cherished.

Psychologist Dr Arti Shroff (PHD),, with a decade old practice in Mumbai, says, “There are various psychological dynamics that play out in a family system. Jealousy, toxicity, trauma etc., bring a lot of resentment in a family. Cultural, religious and societal reasons are primarily why family members tolerate the person. Also, as humans, we have a sense of attachment from time immemorial. This sense of affiliation is why we tend to stay connected to someone we don’t want to.”

She adds, “On