For many of us Snapchat is a lighthearted way to share snippets of our day. But for one high profile Asian wife, it was the ultimate way to reveal her realities of life with her in-laws.
Faryal Makhdoom Khan, wife of British Pakistani boxing champion Amir Khan, Snapped a series of intense posts on her public account, speaking out about the abuse and bullying she says she has experienced since marrying into her husband's family.
All we can guess is that Faryal must have been pushed to her limit to make these claims about her private life in such a way. It can't have been easy. But in speaking out, she's highlighted an issue that's still widespread in the Asian community.
Her comments show that this backwards mindset towards new wives is still, sadly, prevalent today and can affect anyone, even the wife of a British sporting champion.
Nobody should suffer in silence. Anyone affected by the story or suffering from domestic abuse should contact www.refuge.org.uk, www.asianwomencentre.org.uk or www.sharan.org.uk
Living with a new family can be a difficult transition. Times have changed; we're not just housewives anymore. We're modern, strong-willed women with demanding jobs and full social lives who aren't used to taking orders - and that can cause friction in a new house. Here are our five tips for easing into a new household.
BE CLEAR ON HOW MUCH TIME YOU HAVE TO HELP OUT
It's called a chore for a reason - no one wants to do it! But without the bins being taken out and the dishwasher emptied, a house can easily go from pin neat to total chaos. Everyone should muck in and help, and that includes you - you're no longer a guest. Communication and compromise are your friends here, so set aside some time before the wedding to discuss what your new mother-in-law wants help with.
TEAM NEWLYWEDS: SPLIT THE HOUSEWORK
Housework no longer rests solely on the shoulders on the women in the house. Now you’re married you’re a team, so helping each other is part of the deal. Play on your strengths; if he’s a better cook and you’re particular about bathroom cleanliness, earmark those jobs for yourselves and divvy up the rest. If you feel you’re being asked to do too much but want to avoid a clash with your mother-in-law, your husband can be the perfect mediator.
MARK YOUR TERRITORY: UNDERCOVER STYLE
If you’re moving into someone else’s home, you can’t go around feng shui-ing the living room straight away. As the newest addition to the household, it’s wise to ease yourself in gently and confine your inner interior designer to the bedroom.
CONFRONT PROBLEMS CALMLY AND RATIONALLY
Don't bottle things up only for any grievances to rear their heads months later. Small issues have a way of starting off as a molehill and turning into Mount Everest so when you have a problem, find a good time soon after to talk it out. That said, try not to get upset at every little thing. Pick your battles and whatever you do, try not to lose your temper. It will only serve to make you look like a child, and you're all adults here.
DEDICATE TIME FOR YOURSELVES
When you’re living in a full house, making time for each other can be difficult to say the least. As newlyweds your first years together should be about fun and intimacy - hard to do with your in-laws in the next room! But that doesn't mean you shouldn’t try. Dedicate at least one day of the week for date night, and go for a meal or just cosy up in front of a Netflix boxset.
• The above advice is intended for newlyweds who are easing into the workings of a new, unfamiliar household, not as a response to victims of domestic abuse. Anyone suffering from abuse should contact www.refuge.org.uk, www.asianwomencentre.org.uk or www.sharan.org.uk
• This article was edited on Weds 7 Dec 2016 from the original post on Tues 6 Dec 2016.