Family approval, especially in close-knit households, often plays a significant role in how relationships progress. For many couples, introducing a partner to parents isn’t just about love; it’s about trust, reassurance, and timing.
Speaking to ETimes, Nupur Sanon recently reflected on how her relationship with singer Stebin Ben slowly found acceptance at home, even before wedding celebrations began. She shared that the first person she confided in was her sister, Kriti Sanon, describing their bond by saying, “We’re five years apart, but extremely close, we are like best friends.”
At the time, Stebin was just starting professionally, and Nupur explained that she focused less on his achievements and more on who he was as a person. “At that time, Stebin had just started professionally, so there wasn’t much to show career-wise. I spoke more about him as a person. I made her listen to his voice, and she immediately said he had a magical voice and immense talent.”
When it came time to speak to their mother, Nupur admitted that hesitation was natural. “A few months later, I told my mother. Initially, she was a little unsure, like most mothers, cautious about seriousness and the future.” It was Kriti who stepped in to bridge that gap. Nupur recalled, “That’s when my sister stepped in and told her, ‘I’ve met Stebin. I’ve heard him. He’s extremely talented and hardworking.’ That confidence changed everything.” She added that Stebin’s ability to make a positive impression helped matters further: “And honestly, Stebin leaves a great impression when he meets people, so from there on, everything just fell into place.”
After being together for five years, Nupur and Stebin married earlier this month in ceremonies honouring both their cultures.
Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben at their wedding (Source: Instagram/Nupur Sanon)
But why does reassurance from a trusted family member often play a decisive role in parents accepting a relationship?
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “In Indian families, hesitation usually comes from fear, not disapproval. Parents worry about safety, social standing, emotional fallout and long-term stability. When reassurance comes from a sibling, it carries weight because that person is seen as emotionally invested but clear-headed. A sibling understands family values, unspoken rules and social consequences, yet isn’t the one in love.”
That makes their approval feel balanced. It also diffuses tension. Parents no longer feel they are being pushed into a corner by one child; instead, the family appears aligned. “This shift from confrontation to shared assessment changes the emotional tone of the conversation. Once fear reduces, acceptance becomes easier. Parents don’t need convincing as much as they need to feel the decision has been thoughtfully held within the family,” states the expert.
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How couples can navigate parental concerns when one partner is still establishing their career or future plans
Career uncertainty unsettles parents because marriage, in India, is still tied to predictability. Raj suggests what works better is acknowledging concern without dismissing it. “Parents calm down when they see structure — clear efforts, realistic timelines, financial awareness and backup plans. It also matters when the partner building their career speaks for themselves.”
Small consistencies–regular work, discipline, respectful communication–build trust quietly over time. Instead of asking parents to wait and hope, Raj states that couples need to show that “uncertainty is being handled, not avoided.”
