Families Who Pressure You About Getting Married
Start writing a post
Student Life

My Family Is Pressuring Me To Get Married, But I’d Rather Be Independent And Wait

Let's focus on other things, like a career.

501
My Family Is Pressuring Me To Get Married, But I’d Rather Be Independent And Wait
Chau Tang

When I was younger, I never dreamt of being a wife. The most important aspect of my life was to find a career and be successful and happy. At least, that is how people were around me. Looking at successful people like Oprah and Daymond John inspired me to reach my goals.

I've made a vision board and on it were the cities I would want to visit or live in. There were cars, motorcycles, and a house I would want to move into. So many possibilities in life and one of the questions most of my relatives would ask is, "When will you have a boyfriend?" First off, I'm bisexual so I could have a wife or a husband.

But, I'm too independent and I'm focused on myself and I need to satisfy my needs.

An idea of dating or marrying someone is nice but I don't want to be stuck in a relationship where I'm not happy. Since I'm Asian, my relatives would like for me to be heterosexual and normal. No one is ever normal in this life and who I'm attracted to is be none of your concern. The only person I should listen to is myself.

If we're honest, I only care about my happiness and my needs.

I am a satisfied single and I will date/marry someone on my own terms. I will not look at my age and think, "Oh, I should marry someone before I'm 25 and have kids. You are not God. A partner will not magically appear on my doorstep. Also, no one is allowed to set me up with anyone. That is just disrespectful because I have said, "I am not interested."Also, my family would love for me to marry an Asian guy.

The pressures I have on marriage and dating an Asian guy just because it seems right and normal for them is stressing me out.

I have said, "I will marry whoever I want." My family would say, "Yes, but marry an Asian."

The words I want to spill out of my mouth are so unkind but have to keep quiet.

I will not marry someone just because of their race. I will not marry or even find someone until I have a career, have traveled on my own and own a house. There are bigger things I want to achieve in life other than having a family. Having a family is great but for me, I choose not to.

I did say, "I'll think about marriage in 20 years."

One of my aunts said, "Oh no. After you're 30, no one will want you. You need to have kids or at least be married by 25."

I would rather take care of myself. If I ever do get married, then my partner will have to learn to take care of themselves. I will be their partner but I sure as hell will not clean up after them every time they make a mess. You are not five.

I need to be comfortable with myself first. Taking care of myself and my mental health is my first priority. When my mental health is feeling good, then I will do a good job in life.

If we're honest, I have thought of marriage and kids but it'll happen when it'll happen. Pressuring me is not okay. I would rather someone ask me about my aspirations in life. What do I want to achieve? What have I written about for various mediums? What are my political views? Have I stood up for anything I believed in?

I want someone to look at me and be curious about my brain.

I'm trying to improve my writing skills, speaking skills and photography skills yet none of my relatives will notice because they are only curious about my love life. Love comes and goes but a career and achieving my goals are something I have to work for. I need to work for it first then love will come much later.

Again, I do not have to do anything if I do not want to. Telling me I need to do something before a certain age is insane.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

82174
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

49823
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

982214
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments