It was great meeting you, but don’t raise your hopes too much,” he said, when we parted after chatting over a coffee. “In the meanwhile, I will not let my parents know that you enjoy a drink occasionally.” This from a man well into his thirties, highly educated (at least the degrees said so) and who had lived and worked abroad for over a decade. Yet, when it came to choosing a life partner (perhaps “just a wife” to him), he had happily taken shelter behind the façade of “Indian traditions”.
When my family started looking for matches for me, there were a host of rules. The girl’s family always picked up the tab at the meeting. The girl’s family should always initiate the conversation, whether to set up the meeting or to find out whether the boy’s family wanted to take it ahead. The girl was asked to speak little and speak softly, and was always dressed in pleasing Indian wear in an attempt to give off the ‘gharelu’ vibe. The ideas and thoughts have been so ingrained with patriarchy that these norms were usually imposed more forcefully by the girl’s family than the boy’s.
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF EUROPE
Step into a world of culinary excellence as ALBA, the European restaurant nestled within JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, unveils a new menu
MAKE A DATE WITH NATURE
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a serene retreat, a weekend trip to MASINAGUDI in Tamil Nadu promises to be an unforgettable experience.
SUMMERTIME = SCREEN TIME?
There are ways to encourage healthy screen-time habits for children during the summer vacation.
CARING FOR COMMUNITY PETS IN THE SUMMER HEAT
Here's how you can support and care for your community pets during the scorching summer heat
MOVE GENTLY TOWARDS HARMONY
TAI CHI, an ancient Chinese practice rooted in mindfulness, is a way to brace yourself through life.
TILE YOUR 'GRAM RIGHT
Here's how you get yourself a great Instagram grid.
5 DELICACIES TO TRY AT KEMBARA, MUMBAI
Here's a taster of the Asian culinary magic Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo is working at the Mumbai outpost of KEMBARA
BACK WITH A BANG!
BASTIAN in Bandra, Mumbai, boasts cosy interiors and delectable cuisine
BEYOND BOUNDARIES
Lists ways of coping with infidelity without letting it affect your mental health too much
SUMMER SKINCARE WOES?
We Have The Answers!