Watch: How Did Creator Harshita Gupta Set Boundaries Post-Marriage?

In a candid conversation on the latest episode of The Rule Breaker Show, Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople & Gytree, hosted Harshita Gupta, who shared her unique approach to navigating marriage and career ambitions. Harshita Gupta, known for her relatable content as a creator and entrepreneur, discussed setting boundaries and breaking traditional rules in her post-marriage life.

Harshita Gupta On Struggling To Set Boundaries Post-Marriage

Discussing the impact of marriage on her personal and professional life, Harshita noted, "My parents, they've already given up on me. They have no expectations attached to me. They've always been with this chill. But my house changed after marriage. That changed a lot of things. Because now I'm in a setup where I have in-laws and extended family from that side. So there are expectations."

However, she explained that she has been firm about setting boundaries, recognising the need to balance her ambitious career with family expectations. "So I've set up very straight-up boundaries, and I know my boundaries. I think, in establishing that, I felt that I made my own rules."

One of the major adjustments has been her decision not to engage in traditional domestic roles. Harshita, who has recently launched her own label and has a book coming out in October, admitted, "I love working. I'm a very ambitious person. I have so much work on myself. I don't want to struggle in the kitchen. I would rather go on the road and struggle. For my brand, or for my label, or for my content, or whatever." 

On Her Mother’s Traditional Role & Ingrained Patriarchal Conditioning

Harshita illustrated her approach to life and work by reflecting on her mother’s traditional role. She recalled, "I've seen my mom working tirelessly. She was a Sanskrit teacher who would start her day by cooking breakfast for us before heading to school. After returning, she would cook lunch and then dinner for the family. Her evenings were spent grading papers and preparing for the next day's lessons. Her dedication was remarkable, but I realised that this is not my path."

Harshita emphasised her choice to forge her own way, "I mean, I think I paved my own path. I choose my own fields," she said. Her mother’s example helped her understand the importance of following her own rules rather than adhering to societal expectations.

Harshita also acknowledged the challenges of overcoming deeply ingrained patriarchal conditioning but remains resolute in her pursuit of personal and professional goals. She concluded, "It’s very tough because of the patriarchal conditioning of everyone. Like when they say, ‘We did everything for our family.’ That was your choice. I mean, you did not raise a voice. It's your problem. It's your problem. It's not my problem. I will raise my voice because I have certain dreams of my own, which I want to accomplish.”