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Arranged Marriage Search

Arranged Marriage Search

A closed group exploring arranged marriage as a viable route in the search for a partner and navigating the challenges around the process.

Starts 18th Feb, 2023

4 sessions | Conducted every Saturday 10:30 AM

Small group, 6-8 people

75-minute online video conversations

Led by Serene Sarah George

Program Fee - INR 2500 for India-based participants | INR 3500 for participants outside India

View full details

Goals of the group

We will aim to create a safe, reflective and non-judgmental, 'sharing and learning' space to help participants discuss their concerns and challenges to help gather perspective around the arranged marriage process - both for those who are already navigating the process and those who are considering the option.

Who is the group for?

The group welcomes anyone who is in the process of partner search through arranged marriage and dealing with any of these thoughts.

"Is arranged marriage really for me? Why do I feel like a product on sale?"

"I find this whole space quite intimidating, confusing and tricky.Just really awkward!"

"My family does not understand, it gets so difficult to manage their expectations at times."

"It is quite scary to invest emotionally when rejections are bound to happen."

"There is too much pressure - saying yes or no is not that easy!"

Glimpse of the regime

Session 1: Reflecting on individual contexts

• Understanding the arranged marriage process in participants' socio-cultural contexts
• Personal narratives around taking the arranged marriage route
• Discussing individual pain-points around the constructs

Session 2: Exploring initial stressors

• Navigating the filtering process
• Managing family's expectations and interference
• Reflecting on preferences vs non-negotiables

Session 3: Getting to know prospective partners

• Taking a mindful approach
• Discussing chemistry vs compatibility
• Balancing vulnerability vs self-presevation
• Physical intimacy and boundaries

Session 4: Yes, No and After

• Challenges around saying No
• Dealing with setbacks and rejections
• "Impressing" the family vs drawing boundaries
• The time pressure and how can you be "sure"?
• Group check in

Learn from us & from each other

  • I can’t believe the difference the group has made in my life. Kept looking forward to Saturday sessions. Helped me finally make real progress.

    Nidhi

    Based in USA

  • It was comforting to hear that other people went through similar things. And hearing what was good, what was bad, and what they would change.

    Vikramaditya

    Leading the search process myself

  • I'd give it a 10 [out of 10]. I'm surprised at how vulnerable and open everyone was in the first session.

    Sukanya

    Been searching for 2 years

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Meet your Facilitator

Serene Sarah George

Serene is a Mental Health Practitioner from Bangalore, who works with a young adult population. She practices under Reflective Conversations, a joint initiative that also works in areas of psycho-education and mental health advocacy. She has dabbled in corporate finance prior to training as a therapist and follows a growth-mindset in her personal and professional life.Creative writing has always been a form of authentic self expression for her and in her free time, you'll find her grooving to AR Rahman's music.

Serene has lived experience navigating the challenges around arranged marriage as a young adult. She recalls feeling lost, vulnerable and rebellious, all the same time with how the system worked. She is now nurturing a healthy partnership of 9 years on the other side of the process.

FAQs

What are SoulUp Groups?

At SoulUp, you'll meet people who get what you're going through and might be living some of the same realities. People looking for extraordinary conversations, just like you.

✔️ Small group, 6-8 people

✔️ Every meeting led by a world-class facilitator

✔️ Weekly 75-minute online video sessions

What happens in a group session?

While the format can vary as per topic, here’s a flow that most sessions follow

Check In. Participants check-in with each others' feelings and answer the prompt given by the facilitator if any.

Conversation. Your facilitator will guide the group in a free-flowing conversation—with the goal of sharing openly, talking honestly, and deep emotional connection.

Check Out. Participants share what they're taking away from the session.

What am I going to get out of this?

Participants say that they feel heard, understood, more in control, and a feeling that you’ve got people rooting for you. By talking about your emotions and what's going on in your life, you'll realise that you're not alone and get ideas for how to improve your situation.

How long has SoulUp been around?

SoulUp was founded in Feb 2022 by Punita Mittal and Mahak Maheshwari - a team of IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay with more than 20 years of combined healthcare experience. SoulUp is redefining mental health through groups that are effective, but also fun, social, and challenging.

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