I’ve realized there are so many issues in this process.

The funny thing is — when you tell the girl’s family about the boy’s demands, they respond with “La haula wala quwwata!” But when you ask them their own demands, honestly, I feel like saying the same thing back.

Take age, for example. Women above 35 often want an unmarried man. But the reality is, the number of unmarried men above 35 is very small. And those few are usually either:

Very educated and holding out for a “perfect model,” or

Men who have struggled and are still struggling — which, frankly, many girls don’t want.

Then there’s the issue of children. Both sides often refuse to consider a proposal if kids are involved. So the years pass by, and by the time they hit their 40s, both the girl and the guy are still waiting.

Where do I find “models” for all the guys? And where do I find only well-settled men for all the girls?

The truth is, no one is willing to compromise. Everyone wants to “try their luck.” The guy who lives in a 5 marla house dreams of a 10 marla bride, not realizing that she herself is aiming for the kanal.

It’s like walking into a game — everyone wants the best. No one wants to settle for “less.”

I thought I had seen it all. But honestly, the amount I’ve learned in just the past month is more than what I’ve learnt in my whole life.