Today, I aim to address not only women but both men and women because this issue is universal. Parents and society should inspire us, not dictate how our lives should unfold. When I got married, my husband wanted us to have five children simply because they are five siblings in his family. Despite our traditional and civil weddings, it is a struggle for me to pursue a church wedding. He argued that his father had a church wedding 15 years after his traditional one. At 30, my mom reminded me that she was done having children, questioning why I only had one child, despite not being on contraceptives.
In their 20s, women face pressure to marry, while men are pressured about their achievements. Society imposes expectations like owning a house or car by a certain age. These pressures lead to stress, toxic relationships, and even depression. Some resort to illegal activities to meet societal standards.
This cycle continues through generations, as my husband once insisted our son become a doctor, specifically a radiologist like him.
It’s time to stop letting society dictate our paths. Let’s not judge women in their forties without marriage or children, or men without cars or homes. Everyone’s journey is unique, and we must end the mental torture of conformity. Let’s embrace individuality and mental prosperity for all.