Popular television actors Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya, a beloved couple in the Indian entertainment industry, have recently opened up about a long-standing personal difference: their dietary choices. Married for nearly a decade, the duo shared a humorous yet insightful glimpse into how they manage this aspect of their life together.
The Nine-Year Bet and Playful Persuasion
During a candid conversation, Divyanka Tripathi, 41, reaffirmed her strict vegetarian stance. The revelation came to light when Vivek Dahiya, also 41, playfully tried to get her to taste tuna at a birthday lunch celebration. "Try it. Aaj tumhara naya janam hojayega. Divyanka 2.0 from tonight," Vivek teased in a YouTube video, hoping for a culinary conversion.
Divyanka responded by highlighting a long-running joke among their friends. She explained that even before their marriage, Vivek's friends questioned how he would adjust to her vegetarianism. "He had remarked that he would change me in six months," Divyanka recalled. However, the opposite seems to have happened. "For nine years, he has had an ongoing bet with his friends... In fact, he is slowly turning into a vegetarian," she quipped.
In his light-hearted defence, Vivek Dahiya joked about the universal compromises men make, stating, "Hamesha haalat ke saath aadmi ko hi compromise karna padta hai (it is always men who have to compromise with the situation)." This friendly banter, dated around December 31, 2025, underscores a dynamic many couples relate to.
Navigating Differences: Beyond Food Choices
The couple's experience mirrors a common scenario where partners have contrasting preferences, be it in food, lifestyle, spiritual practices, or parenting. Psychotherapist and life coach Delnna Rrajesh, commenting on such dynamics, emphasized that these differences often lead to subtle battles. "One partner pushes, the other resists. Over time, resentment replaces intimacy," she noted.
The key, according to experts, lies in approaching these differences not as conflicts but as opportunities for understanding. "When preferences are expressed with calm ownership rather than emotional pressure, the relationship becomes a space of curiosity instead of control," Delnna Rrajesh advised. This shift in perspective is crucial for long-term harmony.
The Psychology of Non-Coercive Influence
From a psychological standpoint, the healthiest way to influence a partner is through what is termed non-coercive influence. This approach works because it avoids activating a person's defensive mechanisms. "There is no power struggle. No proving. No covert shame. The nervous system stays regulated, and learning happens naturally," Delnna described.
The internal process in such a respectful environment is significant:
- The brain interprets respect as safety.
- This sense of safety fosters openness.
- Openness allows for organic change without a loss of self-identity.
This explains why genuine change in relationships seldom comes from direct persuasion or pressure. "It comes from witnessing someone live their truth without fear," the expert added.
Practical Takeaways for Couples
For couples navigating similar lifestyle or dietary divergences, the advice from relationship coaches is clear and powerful. The goal should not be to convert your partner to your way of thinking. Delnna Rrajesh recommends: "Do not try to convert your partner. Do not moralise your preferences. Do not use love as leverage for compliance."
Instead, the focus should be on personal integrity and mutual respect. "Live your values with warmth and steadiness. Let your choices speak. Let your partner feel free, not managed," she concluded. The story of Divyanka and Vivek ultimately highlights that compatibility is not about sameness, but about emotional respect and the space to be oneself within a partnership.
