Yes, you guessed it – most of them come from relatives.
For the most part of my life, I have always felt like being single is a blessing. I don’t have to deal with all the relationship drama. I can sleep peacefully at night knowing no one is cheating on me, I don’t have to text someone every hour updating my whereabouts, I don’t need anyone’s permission to do the things I want to do, and I am the master of my sea.
But when I do go back to my hometown, I realise that being single is very much like being an expired can of tuna – everyone is looking for ways to get rid of you. The fact that I’m 27, living completely by myself in a new city with a fulfilling job – go completely unnoticed. The fact that I’m 27 and not married is all anyone cares about.
And every single time I go home, I have to deal with being pelted with some REAAAAALLY annoying questions, like these:
- Your friends are all married. When is your turn?
Gee, I didn’t realise that all my friends being married was an indication that it’s my turn. I was under the impression that I had to wait until I met the right person or something…
2. You know that you’re already 27 right?
Awww, I knew I could always count on you guys to remind me of my age in case my memory fails me. On a more serious note, yes, I’m 27 and that does not immediately mean that I have to stick my neck out to some random Tom, Dick, or Harry. Or in my case, any Raju, Muthu, or Navin.
3. Wait? What you mean wait first? What are you waiting for?
I don’t know, perhaps wait until I am both emotionally and financially ready – instead of getting married because societal norms indicate that I should be married by now or risk being the crazy cat lady.
4. Random aunty: When I was 27, I already had 3 kids
Um… good for you?
5. You know it’s going to be difficult to have a baby after 30 right?
Okay fine, I’ve read a lot of articles stating that getting pregnant after 30 could take longer and the process gets more complicated. But I also find it absolutely ludicrous that I have to marry the very next guy I meet just so I can have a baby before 30. Marriage is scary enough, I don’t and can’t even think of babies at this point.
6. You poor thing. Do you want me to find someone for you?
Wow, this single-by-choice concept is really foreign to a lot of people huh? Thanks, aunty, but I do have options, I just don’t want to rush into anything. Also, I’m kinda in a serious relationship with Eminem songs. #palmsaresweaty
7. Actually, I know just the right boy for you. He’s an engineer, how?
Engineer? That’s all you got? That’s the only piece of information you’re giving me before I make a life-long commitment to someone?
8. You know how to cook right?
Yes! I’ve been following Jamie Oliver’s cooking shows diligently since I was 11, and I can make a mean bacon sandwich. I mean chicken – chicken sandwich.
9. You want to continue studies? For what? You’re 27!
Yeah, maybe I have other plans for my life. Why does the ultimate goal always have to be marriage?
10. Do you have any photo of you looking a bit fairer? My friend’s husband’s sister’s cousin’s nephew is asking.
Asking for my photo is bad enough, because you’re intruding my privacy and making life decisions for me. And then you insult my skin colour while you’re at it? Wow.
Do you get asked all these questions too? How do you deal with them? Let us know in the comments below.
