Typically Malaysian

One of the good things in being insomniac is that you get to catch up with your reading. :) This is not trying to be positive.. it's reality. Let's see.

There was this article in the NST 14 June (OMG..it has been so long I did not read the "Weekends" column). A woman was voicing out her discomfort at always being asked: when will she get married. Typically Malaysian thing nowadays, kan :)


Well, my dear. Join the club. That is the normal thing people will ask in Malaysia. There's no such thing as privacy. That question is as commonly accepted in the same way if people come to you and ask about the weather. And this is not only for the Malays but valid for all the races in Malaysia. Don't believe me? Just ask your collegues. The same story, my dear.


It's quite funny actually when you think of it(One of the things that people will also tell you). First, 'they' (you can replace the 'they' to any name that you) want) told us to study hard. To take this opportunity to prove to yourself that you can do better than the guys. So, what did you do? :) The expected thing : Study hard and get a job. By this time, let's say.. you are already 25 or 26 years old.


You don't even have to wait to be asked by family or relatives during festival. Everyone that you meet will be willing to ask you the big question. First question: Dah kahwin ke? And then you'll get the funny look.. "aiyah.. woman, still not married? You are not getting any younger , you know." Then there will be a session on benefits of being married.


An advise: Don't ever feel insulted or angry. You know that they are not being nosy, just being concerned about you. (Remember, think positive. Then you won't have wrinkles. ceh..) Tips by someone who has had that experience:
1) First, change the conversation. Ask that person about his/her family. This will always do the trick especially if you ask about the children. Parents do love to talk about their kids. DO NOT ask about the hubby.. if you don't want to be blacklisted as a potential "competitor" or "no 2 wife".
2) Secondly, let them have their say. At the end of the conversation, stand and say "look , I got to go now. My company is sending me to " " (wherever) and the limo will be picking me up any minute now. (Evil kan).
3) Tell them the benefits of being single (think of something le)
4) If it's an older relative, make sure keep your mouth shut and smile. Mana lah tau that makcik has a son. (just joking.You should always respect your elders coz words will come back to your mom's ears).
5) Migrate to other countries. :)
Best of luck to you, my dear. Keep your spirits high

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P/S Questions won't stop there, you know. After getting a husband, people will ask you when are you going to get a child. After having a child, the question will be "When is the second one coming?".

The questions will not stop until you conform to the national standard : a husband and at least 2 kids. Don't let it get you down. There are many others with the same situation out here. Just use the same solution as above and keep smiling. Your turn will come afterwords to bully the next generation with those questions. Just wait for your turn. Welcome to Malaysia.