Love vs. arranged marriages – the latter are more common in India, but there’s no prescribed formula for a successful one. Before you jump right in, know what to expect.
1. Pass the interview to get the post
If you think job interviews are unpredictable, they pale in comparison to being grilled by your prospective in-laws.
2. No match is made in heaven
Whoever says matches are made in heaven is probably a smoker looking for a light! Relationships take a lot of work, especially a brand new one.
3. Authorized dating comes at a price
Don’t get too excited about dating with the consent of your parents. The flipside is that it won’t be easy to back out once you’ve met a few times.
4. Skeletons exist in every closet
Be suspicious! Sooner or later you will encounter an ex or a psycho best friend, who remains a permanent fixture in your life.
5. You may be the last choice
Sooner or later, you will hear about your prospective spouse being rejected a few times, making you dejected at being stuck with a hand-me-down.
6. Gender equality – what’s that?
Brides beware! Irrespective of being well educated or a successful career woman, you are ‘arranged’ to be a wife first.
7. Dowry-free marriage is fictional
No monetary transaction or dowry is negotiated, but like it or not, you will be richer by a whole new extended family. So, get ready for unannounced visits to your home and territorial behaviour, as your in-laws will always consider your spouse their property (and you too by extension).
8. Switch on the baby machine
Duh! Why would you marry a stranger if your biological clock wasn’t running out of charge? As a bride, you are expected to perform like an ATM that dispenses babies. Be prepared for questions such as, “Any good news?” from strange aunties and pointed glances or pats on your belly to assess whether you are pregnant.
9. Become an expert relationship manager
Between maintaining the peace between your spouse, in-laws and their friends, you will become a pro at relationship management. Try not to kick yourself thinking you could have been rewarded for your interpersonal skills by working full-time with a company, instead of staying at home or working part time so you could manage the lives of your family!
10. The roller coaster doesn’t stop half way
Marriage is like a roller coaster. It comes with good and bad days. Since you bought the ticket for the ride, only you can decide whether to ride the highs and lows for the rest of your life or to leap from the top and bring it to a halt!
Of course, all is not lost! You could be one of the lucky few who find an arrangedsoul mate.
