Families Who Pressure You About Getting Married | The Odyssey Online
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.

506
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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189806
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14653
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457643
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26516
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments