Why Some Women Believe Marriage Should Have an Expiry Date

Recently, Bollywood actress Kajol sparked conversation when she said on a talk show, “If there’s an expiry date, then we don’t have to suffer for too long.” She suggested that marriages could have a renewal option, giving couples the chance to reflect and consciously decide whether to continue. While this idea might seem unconventional, it reflects deeper truths about relationships in contemporary India—where traditional expectations, societal pressures, and ingrained habits often create silent suffering, particularly for women.

Many women feel that a structured opportunity to reassess marriage could actually make relationships healthier and fairer. Here’s why:

In India, men are often conditioned to follow certain roles—provider, decision-maker, or authority figure—without learning emotional awareness or communication skills. This conditioning can unintentionally hurt their partners. Women often bear the brunt of misunderstandings or neglect, not out of malice but social habits. A renewal system gives men a chance to recognize these mistakes, reflect, and adjust.

Knowing that a relationship might be reviewed or renewed encourages both partners to grow consciously. Men who are willing to acknowledge their mistakes—like poor communication, insensitivity, or imbalance in household responsibilities—can correct course. Women feel empowered, and men get a fair chance to demonstrate commitment.

The expiry date concept isn’t about leaving at the first problem. It’s about structured fairness: giving couples a defined period to work on issues, with counseling, discussion, and mutual effort. If problems persist despite sincere attempts, then the renewal option ensures neither partner suffers indefinitely.

Many men unknowingly repeat behaviors they’ve seen growing up—avoiding emotional expression, prioritizing work over family, or failing to share household duties. This doesn’t mean they’re “bad”—it’s conditioning. The renewal system acts as a checkpoint, allowing relationships to reset and break cycles of misunderstanding.

Women often silently bear dissatisfaction because society discourages confrontation. A renewal framework encourages open discussion: Are both partners happy? Are responsibilities shared fairly? Men get the chance to listen, reflect, and change—without the relationship being immediately at risk.

The renewal concept is not about blaming men—it’s about protecting women from long-term emotional strain caused by unresolved issues. Men who are willing to acknowledge their behavior and make amends are valued in this system. Only when efforts fail does the expiry mechanism act as a fair last resort.

Children learn from their parents’ interactions. If men adjust behaviors and couples work through issues consciously, children grow up seeing healthy problem-solving. If repeated attempts fail, the renewal option allows women to prioritize a stable, peaceful environment—ensuring children are not trapped in chronic conflict.

Marriage shouldn’t be blind endurance. A renewal or check-in ensures both partners actively maintain the relationship. Men who take responsibility and adapt can strengthen the bond, and women feel respected and secure. This makes marriage a true partnership rather than a static institution.