The Monkey Dilemma is a space intended to calm my monkey mind that’s always jumping from one thought to another, one idea to the next. Those crazies need a home and this is it. The blog serves as an online personal journal, a self-curated magazine, a romantic escape, and mostly an ode to life with its various complexities. I write about books, quotes, poems, products, introspections, nonsense, and more. Hope you enjoy reading the pieces as much as I loved writing them.
— Kalpana Iyer
Here are the latest posts to get you started:
A Review of My Annual Performance Review
After all the non-stop cribbing about my performance reviews and facing severe anxiety due to them for the last two years, I am relieved to announce that I did not get any bad reviews this year. So far, anyway. My anxiety is always on the lookout for some bad news, so it is with some … Continue reading A Review of My Annual Performance Review
Being a Loner in an Extroverted World
I have always been a private person, much to the chagrin of my friends. In distress, as far as possible, I prefer to process my situation without involving a second person. Venting and ranting bring relief to many, but I regain my composure by pondering over my issues – the ifs, buts, and whys. Of … Continue reading Being a Loner in an Extroverted World
That Time of the Year Again…
My annual performance review is around the corner. And I wonder what surprise they have in store for me this time around. If you have been following my blog, you would know that my last two performance reviews did not go well. It was a bit of a surprise to hear the managers say what … Continue reading That Time of the Year Again…
The Unseen, The Unheard
An anthem that exudes unity, Of being one, Brothers and sisters of the same soil. But the words are empty, As meaningless as a liar’s embrace. As hurtful as a kin’s animosity. As rancid as a forgotten fruit. The unseen, the unheard, Took over humanity, Over love, compassion, empathy, Burning them to dust. Any wonder … Continue reading The Unseen, The Unheard
Fading Friendships
Being an introvert, I often find it challenging to make friends easily. By the time I become comfortable with someone, I’m branded an arrogant snob. There is no win-win here. This was true as a youngster and even more so as an adult. The only difference is that new friendships are more challenging for grown-up … Continue reading Fading Friendships
Dealing with Annoying Questions When You’re Single
It’s not easy being a single woman in India. Everyone is out to advise you on how you should live your life. One hot topic is marriage. The marriage “advisors” (could range from your parents to your friendly neighborhood milk delivery guy) might fight every day with their partners but will not skip a beat … Continue reading Dealing with Annoying Questions When You’re Single
An Ode to Being Unmarried and Childless
I am in my late 30s, unmarried, and might never have a child. My biological clock is past its prime, which means that if I ever get married, it might be too late to conceive naturally. Right now, I am in a complicated relationship that I am okay with since my ultimate goal is, anyway, … Continue reading An Ode to Being Unmarried and Childless
An Ode to Comestic Surgery and Embracing Distorted Realities
It’s no secret that celebrities undergo cosmetic surgeries, which are far from discreet, despite what they would like to think. The changes are always noticeable; you know when they get a procedure done. Most of them look stunning as they already are, so it is often difficult to understand why they opt for such procedures. … Continue reading An Ode to Comestic Surgery and Embracing Distorted Realities
An Ode to Finding a Passion Outside Work
Recently, I talked about the distress I experienced due to excess work. I felt exhausted, working day in and out, and was in severe need of some me-time. I had been “at it” for two years since the start of the pandemic, and I was close to burning out. Thankfully, I got some time out … Continue reading An Ode to Finding a Passion Outside Work
Bollywood Buzz: Netizens Speculated Alia Bhatt’s Pregnancy Before it Became Public
I am a big Bollywood fan – a fact I’ve never given away in my blog till now. I wonder why because I have always been a keen observer of Bollywood, indulging in my Filmfare, Stardust, and Cineblitz magazines since a very young age. As a kid, it was my guilty pleasure since most my … Continue reading Bollywood Buzz: Netizens Speculated Alia Bhatt’s Pregnancy Before it Became Public
The Monkey Dilemma 