Dear TeaK,

Even reading what you said made me tear up. I will try doing that, I don’t think it actively but it kind of tortures me inside. I realized this when you pointed it out, my thoughts are a bit foggy these days. I could not figure out why I felt sad, I think I have a little idea now. I was belittling myself again, unknowingly.

Regarding the arranged marriage scenario, due to the postponement of my sister’s marriage- their focus thankfully remains there. And yes, it is something which is an unsaid rule in our family. If you want to marry by your own choice, have a stable relationship when you are asked about marriage by your parents. If you are single, then you are not given time to go and explore on your own. You marry their suggestion, Yes you can choose amongst those but the set of prospects will be their choice, and the final one can be yours. But only till you don’t cross a certain age. Like 32 was the maximum for my parents, after which my sister was forced by all relatives and my parents to marry the guy they chose.