4 min readNew DelhiDec 25, 2025 05:18 PM IST
First published on: Dec 24, 2025 at 02:30 PM IST
Many people choose to keep early relationships private, sometimes out of caution, sometimes out of fear, and sometimes to protect something meaningful. On actor Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, Sonakshi Sinha described why she kept her relationship under wraps in the beginning.
She said, “One reason was, of course, work. When you are a female actor, most of the talk becomes about relationships and who you are dating and who you are spotted with. I wanted people to talk about my work and not my relationships. I work very hard, and I did not want to dilute it by this.”
She added that she didn’t tell her parents for almost three years: “The other reason was that I had not told my parents about it, actually, I kept it from them for almost 3 years.”
Sonakshi also spoke about the scrutiny that followed news of her interfaith marriage, something many couples experience in different forms. Reflecting on the backlash, she said, “I don’t know why everyone was so hot and bothered. It’s all just noise, honestly. I am not the first person who did it, and I am not going to be the last. It’s a grown woman making a life choice, which people who I don’t even know tried to have a say in.”
That outside commentary, she explained, felt overwhelming at a moment meant to be filled with joy. “It all felt very stupid at that time, but we had been waiting for this for a long time, and finally it was happening. We were ecstatic to be able to spend our lives with each other, and we just blocked all the noise,” she shared.
Reasons people choose to keep a relationship private for extended periods
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “People often keep relationships private to protect their emotional space. It allows the bond to grow without external judgment, gossip, or pressure shaping it. Privacy can also give someone the chance to process feelings, test compatibility, or figure out how to navigate family expectations. It’s a way of controlling the narrative so that work or personal achievements aren’t overshadowed.”
She continues, “Secrecy becomes harmful when it creates constant stress, guilt, or fear, or prevents honest communication with loved ones. When hiding a relationship is about avoidance rather than protection, it can erode trust, self-confidence, and emotional well-being.”
Navigating external judgment when making major life choices like marriage
Handling judgment starts with clarity about your own values and decisions. Raj says that when you are grounded in your choices, outside opinions lose power. Setting boundaries is crucial — deciding what to share and with whom protects emotional energy.
Raj mentions, “Viewing criticism as commentary rather than truth helps create distance from negativity. Surrounding yourself with supportive voices–friends, mentors, or family who respect your choices–provides reassurance.”
Strategies to maintain emotional safety during big milestones
Maintaining emotional safety starts with firm boundaries. Limiting exposure to social media, filtering conversations, and delegating stressful communications help protect energy. Grounding techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or mindfulness can calm the mind and reduce reactivity.
“Reframing criticism as irrelevant to your personal happiness helps maintain focus on the milestone. Creating a supportive environment of people who uplift and reinforce positivity ensures that joy isn’t diluted by outside noise, letting the celebration remain personal and fulfilling,” concludes Raj.
Sonakshi Sinha in film Dabangg 2 (Source: Express photo) 
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