Lets Talk Relationships

It all began when an article popped up on my timeline claiming how more and more people are choosing to be single these days. People now are not falling for pressure created by the society to be in relationships they don’t approve of. They are choosing their own happiness over relevant and irrelevant norms, and that got me thinking. Relationships are an important part of our existence but there’s hardly any support system that comes in place with respect to them. Even today, all good things are exaggerated and the not so good ones are hushed and brushed under the carpet. Given the patriarchal society we are a part of, it becomes even more important to discuss relationships, so that one necessarily doesn’t have to make one’s own mistakes…

A few days ago, a conversation beckoned which lead to an interview with Raksha Bharadia, who is a writer and editor. She has authored three books published by Rupa. She has put together 13 titles in the Chicken soup for the Indian Soul series for Westland.Raksha has been a columnist for Femina, Ahmedabad Mirror; and with DNA Ahmedabad. Bonobology.com is Raksha’s first significant foray in the digital space, one where real life conversations are potrayed in form of discussions leading to and helping people decide the right path to follow in a relationship.

What was the thought behind starting a website dedicated to relationships? 

This happened when I was working on my book, Chaos, which will be published by Rupa in January 2017. It is about chaos in couple relationships – in intimacy, sexuality, romance and fidelity. I went around the country interviewing experts and people in their personal capacity and saw that our couple relationships are in a state of chaos. Many experts (marriage therapists, divorce lawyers etc) told me that 10 years ago, out of every couple that came to them for problems, probably two or three dealt with infidelity. Now the number is as high as seven. So obviously there is a lot going on which is not getting documented.  I wanted to bring to the forefront the good, the bad and the ugly of coupledom. That is how Bonobology was born.

The name ‘Bonobology’ sounds intriguing. I am sure a lot of thought must be gone behind choosing that name. Could you share the story with us?

The anthropology behind bonobos is very much aligned to what we are trying to say. ‘Bonobology’ comes from the word Bonobo, which is a kind of ape. They are the closest to humans in their DNA. Also, Bonobo societies know very little conflict, and focus on having a good time together, with a lot of love-making involved.

We felt that the name may take a while to set in, but it is what people will not forget. Additionally our logo which we have done much branding with so far in entirely based on a bonobo as well as the graphics on our website.

How is the content at Bonobology different from other websites which deal with relationships?

Our content relies on an idea, where people start sharing about how they actually deal as couples in a micro and a macro sense. Along with content, it is also a place to meet people to discuss marital issues in a baggage-less environment (because friends judge you, or spill your secrets). We have a panel of counsellors who sometimes intervene and have a say about a story, which could benefit the person who wrote the story!  Like this one .

How important do you think a relationship is, given that more and more people are choosing to be single in today’s times?

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p style=”text-align: justify;”>Forever all questions related to a couple relationships have intrigued me. 
I also think it is a field not presented in a light and conversational manner because of our culture we generally refrain from talking about our issues. With changing times like what you are saying about people choosing to be single, I see a gap there. We at Bonobology can fill it, offering a space for the urban couples to read real stories

Do you have a future roadmap for the website in shape and what do you want to convey through it? 

I see Bonobology becoming a cult. I see television shows, products (cups, etc.) based on it. I also think we will be able to document how modern Indian couples are changing, so it can be a source of huge data mining which can then be relayed via various mediums. Even field events could be a possible future.

Something which you would like to share with the readers. 

We are a safe non-judgmental space for Indians to discuss anything and everything about couple relationships. We offer content/articles for Indians to read, relate and take cues from. We offer discussion forums for them to discuss relationship problems with like-minded people, or those who have experienced similar situations since close friends/family can get judgmental sometimes. We also offer access to professional counselling for Indians to resolve couple relationship issues. From Dating, to Love, Marriage, Romance, Breakups, Divorce, Cheating, Sex, Live-In Relationships, LGBT Relationships, Spirituality in Relationships, we cover the whole spectrum.

Bonobology is one of it’s kind portal and I am sure there is something for everyone out there. Real life stories that inspire are always better than finding solace in fictional characters. Hop on to http://www.bonobology.com/, read, contemplate, reflect or write your own!