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A Non-Linear Narrative
Inspired by This Is Us, the book moves between different years, bringing together moments and themes from a life to find the lessons hiding in the order we usually impose.
A Memoir · Available Now
Red Flags
in Relationships
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Emotional Introspection.
A non-linear memoir that moves between years and continents — Venezuela, France, India, Brazil — to recognise the warning signs that shape a life before they become the wreckage of one.
Available Now
About the Author
A storyteller of survival.
My life has been one big cliché. It's filled with storylines seen in movies; the ones that should stay in the movies but somehow made it into my life, and, quite possibly, yours.
If clichés were the horsepower of life, then mine had the strength of a Ferrari. But I refused to let bad clichés shape my life any further, so I took action. I took the pen and wrote my story. I became the author of my present and my future.
My story is not unique, but it's mine. It's a story of love and heartbreak, of success and failure, of happiness and sadness. It's the story of a man who has struggled to find his place in the world, but who has never given up on his dreams.
Through my journey of self-discovery and emotional introspection, I've learned to recognize the red flags in relationships and in life. Now, I'm sharing those lessons with you in hopes that my experiences might help you navigate your own path.
The Book
A different way to read a life.
II
A Self-Discovery Journey
Each chapter holds a theme — and the particular red flags that appear before it ever becomes a crisis. Recognition is the first repair.
III
Reflective Exercises
Every chapter closes with thoughtful exercises designed to bring the lessons into your own life, your own relationships, your own week.
§ Chapter One
Forbidden Fruit
A preview from Red Flags in Relationships
Chapter I · Forbidden Fruitp. 1
“Forbidden fruit tastes sweet, but its aftertaste is bitter.”
Throughout life, we are faced with choices: Good or bad, right or wrong, happiness or despair. What you choose determines your destiny. Sometimes, the choice you make is the one that seems most attractive; it's the forbidden fruit you desire, even if you know it's not the best choice for you. Most likely, you know it's the wrong choice, but you opt for it anyway in the hope that it will satisfy your desire. Will it? Or, will it leave you questioning your judgment later on?
January 2013 — Rio de Janeiro
"Karan, take her hand," I say across the noisy sidewalk.
He makes a halfhearted attempt to take Rahni's hand, but she wriggles from his grasp quickly. I get it, sort of, it isn't easy to keep an almost two-year-old in check. At this age, kids are curious and lively, but I'm not okay with my daughter running ahead in the busy streets of Rio de Janeiro.
I can't take it anymore. My blood pressure rises along with my anger — I can feel the redness creeping up my neck — but I try not to let it get the better of me.
"Karan!" I shout. "Take Rahni's hand!" He takes it reluctantly but at least my daughter is safe. "You can't let her run circles around you," I continue, "The streets aren't safe. Besides, if you let her do what she wants now, then it's going to be a problem for the rest of her life. Be a bit firmer with her."
My words are barely cold but I already know what is to come. I brace myself for the attack.
A Non-Linear Journey
Selected chapters
- I
Forbidden Fruit
Choices and their consequences
- VI
Belonging
Finding your true self
- X
Broken
Dealing with life’s challenges
Ways to Read
There is no set path.
Think of the book and its exercises as tools to help you learn more about your own life. That is your story, and that is what I want you to explore as you read mine.
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Sequential reading
Read each chapter and complete its exercises as you go, allowing for deep reflection on each topic before moving forward.
II
Theme-based reading
Choose chapters whose titles speak to your current situation, focusing on the areas most relevant to your life right now.
Reflective Exercises
A sample from the workbook
Chapter One · Forbidden Fruit
Recognising patterns
What you choose determines your destiny. Sometimes, the choice you make is the one that seems most attractive…
Take a moment to reflect on a time when you chose something you knew wasn’t good for you, but you wanted it anyway.
- 01What was the “forbidden fruit” that tempted you?
- 02What were the consequences of this choice?
- 03What warning signs or red flags did you ignore?
One of many exercises designed to help you reflect on your own experiences and growth.
- I
Recognizing Patterns
Exercises to help you identify the recurring patterns in your relationships.
- II
Relationship Reflection
Understanding the patterns inside your relationships and noticing red flags early.
- III
Emotional Awareness
Activities that build emotional intelligence and a vocabulary for what you feel.
- IV
Growth Planning
Future-focused exercises that translate the lessons into change you can keep.
From the Blog
Recent essays
No. 01· RelationshipsNurturing Deeper Connections with Better Attunement
Learn how to nurture attunement in relationships for deeper connections. Explore practical tips, benefits, challenges, and strategies for greater understanding.
No. 02· Self-ImprovementHow To Make Self-Development a Priority
Do you want to become the best version of yourself? You need to embark on a journey of self-development. Here's how you can make it happen.
No. 03· Habits/ AddictionThe Hidden Influences: Why People Develop Addictions
Why do some people develop addictions and others don't? It's a good question because many factors drive addiction. Here are some you need to know about.
Frequently Asked
Questions, answered.
Unlike traditional relationship advice books, Red Flags in Relationships uses a non-linear narrative structure inspired by the TV series 'This Is Us.' Instead of prescriptive advice, it shares real personal experiences and invites you to reflect on your own life through interactive exercises at the end of each chapter.
Have another? Write to René
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Red Flags in Relationships — paperback & Kindle, on Amazon, July 2025.
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