To co-exist with a person with an opinion is a full-time job,’ says Badshah about ex-wife. Why are opinionated people viewed negatively?

Vatsa explained that Indian women, historically, have not been vocal about their wants and needs. “People in positions of seniority and authority often tend to consider disagreements synonymous with lack of respect. This stems from a feeling of insecurity and a constant need for validation and approval about the status quo,” she said.

According to her, it is important to respect each other’s viewpoint and opinions in a relationship, even if they differ from one another.

(Source: Freepik)

Ashutosh Tiwari, psychologist and director of MindGlass Wellbeing Pvt Ltd, said that it is interesting to note that many people tend to prefer partners who are not opinionated, even today. “Despite differences in family and personal values, both men and women often seek someone who is willing to take steps forward together, rather than being too set in their own opinions.”

According to research in the field of social psychology, having an opinionated partner can lead to conflicts when it comes to making compromises in daily life, said Tiwari. This is because individuals with rigid beliefs often struggle to be flexible and empathetic, making it difficult for them to adapt to changing circumstances.

When it comes to couples belonging to different cultural backgrounds, there are moments when they strive to adapt.

If a partner is strongly opinionated and refuses to adjust, Tiwari said that it can lead to misunderstandings and strain in the relationship. “Consequently, opinionated individuals are often viewed negatively or disliked by others. A continuous flow of disagreements can slowly erode trust and impede deep intimacy, ultimately causing harm to the relationship,” said Tiwari.