My Choice

My family follows old customs, and one of them I wanted to escape. It was that, on turning 21, you had to find a bride, or they would find one for you. I was at college almost 22; my mother asked me if I had a girl in mind to marry. I quickly realized what would happen if I answered no. So, I said I did, but it was early days, and I didn't want to rush it. Her answer was OkayI will give you till your birthday. So, I now had eleven weeks, or my mother would find me a wife. My family is wealthy and follows the old customs: on becoming a man (at 21), you should marry and start a family. No sowing your oats, as the saying goes. I wanted a smart wife (educated) who was modern, not one just raised to marry. I was fortunate that there was a girl at the college I thought of as making a great wife for me. Her family was like mine, wealthy and already known to my family. But their daughter was seen as much too modern (strong-willed) by my mother. A woman who wanted a career as well as raising children. So, I asked her out on a date, and she accepted; more dates followed. I asked her about her plans for the future; she replied, career and motherhood. I replied that a great choice; she then asked me what I wanted in a wife. I replied A career woman and a mother like you. She asked me if that was a proposal. I said it is, if your answer is yes. Yes, she replied. It seems my parents weren't the only ones pushing their child to marry. At my birthday celebration, I announced my forthcoming marriage. Our parents were both delighted; my mother had some misgivings. But it had been announced, so she had to accept it. We married four months later, my wife quickly getting pregnant. My mother hoped she would quit college; she didn't, and I supported her decision. Baby due shortly, a son.