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In a long-term relationship, one partner might feel like they’re growing while the other feels stagnant. How should they handle this imbalance without causing distance or resentment?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Better Mind

Growth can be viewed as the analytical part of our lives, as it involves understanding, evaluating, and adapting to situations, making decisions, and continuously improving our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

People, especially in a long term relationship, keep on growing differently in different stages of life personally and professionally. But when one is growing and the other one is stuck, it may lead to frustration, emotional distance which may create hurdles in the relationship. 

One reason could be the fear of change, as the partner who seems to be ‘unchanging’ might feel it’s difficult due to fear of failure. Difference in priority of growth is another thing. While one partner might prioritize self-improvement, the other might value career success. This misalignment can lead to misunderstandings. 

Sometimes identity differences may take a toll. If one partner embraces change while the other remains comfortable with familiarity, this can create a perceived gap in relationship.

Start with self-reflection. Ask yourself: Is my partner truly stagnant, or are they growing in ways I haven’t acknowledged for? Sometimes, growth is internal and not always visible. Reflection and communication with curiosity not criticism helps. 

Open communication with regular check-ins helps. Practice active listening and paraphrase your partner’s perspective e.g. “It sounds like you’re feeling overlooked” to validate emotions. You can schedule a 20 minute conversation to discuss shared goals and concerns.

Form and engage in shared goals. Create joint goals and designate time for activities like attending programs or volunteering together, blending individual interests with shared experiences. You can also try finding the common ground where you can share the same activities like traveling, playing, exploring which can grow strong. 

Supporting individuality and mutual encouragement is the key. One can reserve two to three hours weekly for independent activities. For example, one partner might take dance class while the other engages in fitness training. Celebrating small wins of individual activity with rituals like special travel and meals reinforces mutual encouragement.

Growth in a relationship doesn’t have to be identical, but should be respected and supported. With understanding, communication, encouragement and shared experiences, partners can navigate these differences.

US President Donald Trump claimed Friday that he had a “extremely productive” first discussion with Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite rising tensions over tariffs and Trump’s desire to conquer his northern neighbor, Firstpost reported.

Trump added that the two planned to meet shortly after Canada's general election on April 28, where Carney, who took office two weeks ago, has made opposing the US president a key component of his campaign.The call marked their first communication since Carney was elected leader of Canada's ruling Liberals on March 9, according to the Firstpost.

Carney believes Trump's proposal of tariffs is a betrayal of a once-close economic and security partnership.
Trump has also warned Canada against working with the European Union against US reciprocal tariffs that he is expected to announce soon.

The death toll from Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has jumped to 694.

The data only covered the Mandalay region in the country's center, near the quake's epicenter. 68 people were missing in the Mandalay region, CNN reported.

A high-rise under construction in Bangkok, Thailand, collapsed, killing at least six people.

The 7.7-magnitude quake struck around lunchtime, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, according to CNN.  Aftershocks followed, one of which was 6.4 magnitude.
 

Annapurna Media Network Chairman Rameshwar Thapa condemned the attack on the headquarters of Annapurna Media Network with an intention to kill the journalists. This is an act of terrorism, he added.

“We will honor any kind of peaceful protest staged by abiding by the Constitution. But today’s attack on Annapurna Media Network and other media houses and commercial buildings is itself a condemnable act. We can clearly see that is an act of terrorism,” he said during a press conference organized after the pro-monarchy protesters attacked the office of Annapurna Media Network.

“The pro-monarchy protesters attacked the office of Annapurna Media Network while the journalists and employees were working inside. They even tried to enter the office by smashing the windows and attempting to set fire to the office. This is a heinous crime,” Chairman Thapa said. “The attack was aimed at killing the journalists and employees working inside the office which is condemnable and This is an act of terrorism.”

In addition to that, Annapurna Media Network among other media houses have always played an important role in bringing democracy and promoting good governance in the country, he said. “We will not be afraid of this kind of attack. Our journalist friends will retaliate this attack with their pen,” Chairman Thapa added.  

The Annapurna Media Network has condemned the vandalism and arson of media outlets, including Annapurna, by chaotic, unruly and uncontrollable groups that emerged in the name of the 'royalist movement'.

The Annapurna Media Network strongly condemned the death of Suresh Rajak, camera person of Kantipur TV, Avenues TV along with Annapurna.

Issuing a statement, Annapurna Media Network Chairman Rameshwar Thapa, Editor-in-Chief of Annapurna Post, Editor of Annapurna Express Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of Annapurna Post. Com Sambhu Kattel, Editor of Radio Annapurna 94. 0 Megahertz and News Chief of AP1 TV Dipendra Bantawa demanded that those involved in vandalism and arson be brought to book.  

“This protest has shown that the media is the first target of absolutism. Protesting every kind of absolutism, we will stand firm in support of democracy,” they said in the statement.

“Media has played an active, vital and powerful role in the 2005/ 2006 movement to draw the line of republic. Annapurna Media Network cannot remain a mute spectator to any kind of activities that undermines democracy. We believe that the protesters targeted Annapurna Media for the same reason,” they further said.

They said that democracy and the Constitution do not prevent Nepali citizens from practicing politics and gaining public support. In addition to that, they said that no one is allowed to go beyond the democratic system.

“Annapurna Media Network has always been at the forefront of protecting and promoting democracy. We will not be distracted by obstacles,” the statement reads. “The only alternative to democracy is advanced democracy. The only alternative to a republic is a prosperous republic. Freedom of the press and expression, human rights, and people’s sovereignty are possible only in democracy. The disruption to that is condemnable.”

“Lastly, we urge the government to carry out an investigation into the death of camera person Suresh Rajak and an attack on Annapurna Media Network with a malicious intent to take the lives of journalists.”

A curfew has been clamped in the Tinkune area after the pro-monarchy protesters turned violent and resorted to vandalism and arson.

The District Administration Office, Kathmandu imposed curfew from 4:25 pm to 10 pm to prevent untoward incidents, Chief District Officer Ashok Kumar Bhandari informed.

According to him, the curfew has been clamped from Gaushala Airport, Gairidhara, Tinkune to Koteshwor, from Koteshwor to Jadibuti Bridge, from Koteshwor to Balkumari Bridge, from Baneshwor Chowk to Shankhamul Bridge, and from Gaushala Chowk to New Baneshwor Chowk via Old Baneshwor.

Likewise, curfew has been imposed in the Balkumari Bridge towards Lalitpur, Jadibuti Bridge towards Bhaktapur, Sinamangal Chowk and Tinkune Bridge areas.

Earlier, the pro-monarchy protesters had set fire to a house in Tinkune.

Police said that protesters have attempted to set fire to party offices, media houses and government offices in the area.

The Supreme Court has issued a show cause order on the writ petition filed by outgoing Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, Kul Man Ghising.

A single bench of Justice Abdul Aziz Musalman conducting hearing on the writ petition issued the show cause order. 

Ghising had filed a writ petition seeking a final order from the apex court against the government's decision of removing him from post. 

Asking the government to submit a written reply, the SC has today called both sides for discussion on March 31 on the issue.

The recently held Cabinet meeting appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya by dismissing Ghising from the post four months before his retirement.

Protesters demanding the reinstatement of monarchy attempted to torch the office of the Annapurna Post on Friday.

The pro-monarchy protesters attempted to set fire to the office of the Annapurna Post at Corporate Tower in Tinkune. The security guards extinguished the flame.

The protest, which was expected to be peaceful, turned violent as the demonstrators’ hurled stones and attempted to torch the office of the Annapurna Post.

There were reports that the royalists have resorted to vandalism and arson in various parts of the Capital since this morning.

It seems that their intention was not to make the protest peaceful but violent.

Prior to attempting to set fire to the office of AMN, the pro-monarchy protesters had vandalized and torched a house in Tinkune.

Meanwhile, police have opened fire to take the situation under control. Two demonstrators were injured in the police action.

According to a police source, both were shot below the knee.

Police used force after the protesters turned violent.