Monday 3 June 2013

Arranged Marriages - Trying to Keep a Straight Face

It's been a while since I did a post on my experiences with arranged marriages. It's not that there hasn't been material. I just haven't had the chance to sit down and write about it. Until now.

Quite recently we were out at a function when we came across some old friends of the family. Being the polite and pleasant person I am, I stood for a while and had a chat. That was where the other person in the conversation decided to drop hints about their nephew. They managed to bring into the conversation (in several different places) the person's age, his job, where he lives, his property situation (owns his own home!), and that he makes good money.

When conversations like this occur, it is important to try and keep a straight face for as long as possible. This is especially true in cases like mine where I am not on the lookout for a husband just yet. As soon as you show the slightest bit of interest - a raised eyebrow, a nod, an "Oh really?", you are passed a telephone number in your hand before you have had the chance to change the conversation topic. These things are delicate matters, and this is just another way to deal with them.

7 comments:

Rachna Chhabria said...

I agree Naina, in such situations keeping a straight face is important, else you will be forced to either meet the person or call him up.

Naina Gupta said...

Luckily for me, Rachna, I would never be forced into meeting anyone by my parents. They know what I am like. I was more referring to the people with whom you have the conversation.

Julie Dao said...

HAHA! Relatives and family friends are so subtle, aren't they? ;) Good for you for keeping a straight face.

Laura said...

Well done- you did better than I could have!

Vanessa Morgan said...

Your book looks cute and I believe it would teach a European girl like me a lot about your culture too.

Naina Gupta said...

Julie - Yes, people are at their most obvious when they try to be subtle. It helps to stare at a spot on the wall to keep a straight face.

Laura - Thanks. I have learned to deal with conversations like these over the last couple of years.

Vanessa - Thank you so much for your nice comment, and welcome to my blog.

KamilleE said...

I'm shocked you managed to keep a straight face! I would have laughed until the sun stops burning!

You're lucky your family wouldn't make you meet someone. It makes avoiding arranged marriage easier haha!