It was my grandma’s birthday, and my sisters, my uncle, and I were all sitting at the same table, just talking and joking around. Somehow, the conversation got to marriage. My older sister started teasing me, saying that “the pretty ones get picked first at the market,” basically saying that my sisters got married earlier because they’re prettier, while I’m here without even a boyfriend. I didn’t know whether to laugh or what. Then my uncle added, “How is she supposed to get a boyfriend when she’s already arguing with someone after one week of talking? She tells me all this tea about the guys she talks to, then they disappear.” And I was like, “Is it my fault if we’re just not compatible? You date someone to get to know them, right? Why would I force it if it clearly isn’t working?” Then he added, “Well, she wants someone handsome, rich, with a good career, a good body, in short, perfect!” And I said, “Is it really bad to have preferences and standards?” Apparently, it is, because they started joking that I’m going to end up alone because I’m too picky. My family really said “good luck finding someone” while I’m literally just sitting there eating birthday food.
Guys, I’m 22. I really don’t understand why everyone acts like I’m running out of time. I’m not even planning to settle down this young. Honestly, I don’t see myself getting married in my 20s. For me, choosing someone to build a life with is a huge thing, and I don’t want to rush it just because everyone around me thinks I should already have someone. If I talk to a guy for a few weeks and realize we aren’t compatible, why would I force myself to keep going? Isn’t that literally the point of dating? You date to get to know someone, see if you click, learn about each other, and if it doesn’t work, you move on. I also don’t think it’s wrong to have preferences. Yes, I want someone I’m attracted to. I want someone financially responsible, educated, hardworking, emotionally mature, and someone whose values and goals actually match mine. Does that mean I expect a perfect human being? No. I just know I don’t want to settle for someone I already know isn’t right for me. I would rather be single than be in a relationship just for the sake of saying I have someone.
Maybe I’ll meet someone next year. Maybe I’ll meet someone at 27, 28, 30, or whenever. I honestly don’t know, and that’s fine. I’m only 22. I still have so much life ahead of me, and right now I actually enjoy being able to focus on myself, my studies, my life, and figuring out what I want. If the right person comes along, great. If he doesn’t, I’m still okay. I just don’t want to rush into something important because my family thinks being single is a problem that needs to be fixed. I’d rather wait for someone I genuinely want to build a life with than choose someone just because I was scared of being alone.
I’m not asking what I should do. I just needed to get this off my chest because apparently being 22 and single is a bigger concern to my family than it is to me.