Rujuta Diwekar shares 3 golden rules for men who want to get married

Rujuta Diwekar is known for her no-nonsense advice on food and fitness, but her take on marriage is just as sharp—and this time, she’s talking directly to men. Instead of asking women to “adjust”, she flips the script and puts responsibility where it truly belongs. "Whether the institution of marriage will stand the test of time will depend on the ability of men to adapt and not of women to adjust," Rujuta wrote in her social media post. Her three rules are not about being a “nice guy” on paper, but about being genuinely emotionally aware, responsible, and partnership-ready in real life.

This advice is for men who might be quick to jump into marriage assuming the usual comforts. Male privilege is often subtle: being served first, not being expected to do chores, having your career put first or being complimented for doing the least at home. Understanding this privilege means recognising that your comfort has often come at the cost of women’s unpaid labour and emotional load. When you become aware of this, you stop seeing equality as a threat and start seeing it as the foundation of a respectful, modern partnership.

This isn’t about finding someone “selfish”; it’s about valuing a partner who has her own dreams, goals, and identity beyond your life. When you choose someone who is more focused on their own career than yours, you’re actively rejecting the idea that a woman’s role is to orbit around a man’s success. It also means you must be secure enough to handle her ambition, growth, and achievements without feeling threatened. Such a relationship is built on mutual respect, where both partners cheer for each other instead of silently competing or expecting sacrifice from just one side.

Rujuta’s third rule is a direct punch to the face for the show-off shaadi culture. Restricting your wedding budget to three months of your salary forces you to live within your means and reject pressure from society or extended family to overspend. It also signals financial maturity—prioritising savings, stability, and a stress-free start to married life over one extravagant day. A wedding should reflect the couple’s values, not become a stage to prove status. Keeping the budget realistic also reduces the burden on families and sets a healthier tone for money conversations in the marriage.

"Wile marriage is optional, married men tend to live longer, healthier and happier than unmarried men. Ensure that you are good marriage material by learning household work, strive for work-life balance, and rise above the noise of "being a man"... Most importantly, know what imposing your beliefs, be it religious, financial, social, on your spouse restricts your growth. The strength of a marriage lies in two individuals thriving together," she further wrote in her post.

Thinking of these three rules, which one do you feel today’s men struggle with the most—and why? Tell us in the comments below.