Marriages...like business after all

They say businesses can be set up as partnerships, limited liability companies, private or public limited companies. I say so are marriages.

Partnerships: Partners come together of their own will predominantly. They make big decisions together. If their partnership succeeds, they benefit equally. If it doesn't, they suffer equally. Commitment to each other is absolute and foremost, no boundaries drawn.

Limited Liability Companies: Just a weaker partnership, not necessarily a weaker marriage. Some boundaries exist. Partners are committed, yet withhold some territory as theirs alone. Like a private nest egg, veto rights on big decisions, an ex they still want to keep as "friend". Think love marriages with pre/post nuptials coded in.

Private Limited Companies: I think of traditionally arranged marriages as best fitting this format. The broad framework is drawn up beforehand between families, not the partners. These relationships operate as conglomerates. Marriage is less of a relationship between two individuals than an alliance between the families. Ledgers are maintained judiciously and accounting is sounder, not necessarily fairer than partnerships and LLCs.

Public Limited Companies: These are the real jewels in the basket. Auctions are set up and the highest paying bidder who benefits from this alliance wins the catch. Think middle class families raising their boys to be IAS officers in the hope of escalating their economic status in one marital sweep. Think marriages between business houses. Public offerings done not so privately.

I thought I had registered my marriage as a partnership. Am finding out it really is an LLC.

In which format is your marriage registered ?

 

Garam Masala

I have my favorite food columns. Jamie Oliver is so cool. The few recipe books collected over the 5 years of marriage are filled with enticing recipes. Yet, its another matter altogether to actually step into the kitchen and take charge of your food, three times a day, day after day. I am fighting my inertia to become friends with the kitchen. We are a bit awkward with each other right now.

You dig out a recipe. It seems so simple when you read it. When you actually set about it, atleast some ingredients are missing. You set about making tandoori chicken, and land up making garam masala. So you dig up a recipe for garam masala. Sanjeev Kapur says 10 things are needed. To hell with 10 things, you'll make it with 6.

You measure, you roast, you grind. You take off the lid and the magical aroma of freshly ground garam masala hits you. Sweet success.

The kitchen and you could be friends after all.