I was at the bank sometime back and had nothing to do other than listen in on a most personal conversation between two women, well… due to lack of having anything else to do. They had just finished hugging and greeting each other in such a manner that it was safe to assume they hadn’t seen either in years. In the mean time, a kid kept tugging at one of the woman’s dupatta, wailing about something or the other.
The other, apparently older friend then proceeds to generally fawn over the little dumpling and after getting over with the mandatory cootchiecooing, she turned her attention back to the mother.
“So how many kids do you have? How old is this little tyke?”
“Oh, he’s five. And also an only child”
“Hmm… so you have ONLY one kid?? I guess thats okay too. But I hope you guys are planning to have at least one more kid, you know. After all, you’ve been married for what? Ten years now?”
Embarassed laughter. “I guess we could always try…”
“Yeah, well – you know what people say when you have only one kid…”
What do people say when you have only one kid??? Poor sperm count? That they were apparently lucky that one time and god knows if not for that, they’d be childless and lets not even go to that kind of situation?
This WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK syndrome, which is a common enough topic in India, doesnt just stop at that poor ONE kid. For all we know, its an offense to:
1. Be a spinster/bachelor after 30 perhaps.
2. Have a live in relationship.
3. Be a childless couple.
4. Get separated.
5. Get divorced.
6. Get re-married.
7. What else? Perhaps think for yourself too?
I knew a chronic bachelor who was hounded by matchmakers all over town in the hope that some lucky girl would one day snag him and cut short his freedom. Another friend of mine’s a happy go lucky 38 year old spinster who doesnt mind categorizing marriage at the bottom of her priority list.
P.S. What will people think, eh? Answer in # 24 of http://ringchen.com/things-about-me
Wish I could say more often “I dont give a damn”!!WWPT haunts me a lot.
best thing is what u mentioned as #24 – dont care. I guess, as long as somebody doesnt follow the usual norms people start wondering why.
ever heard of the taunt – the geniuses always get pulled back by ordinary minds
Raven – the WWPT acronym, I borrowed from your blog
Sandeep – I like the last statement a lot.
It’s hard to be married for two years and be childless and not to be probed by relatives (of whom you don’t even know the last name of ) about your sexual antics!
I am sure you get that too!
Only, its more like four years for me
But yeah, I know the feeling!
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OH MY GOD!!! Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Cause if its bad, then I dont know how it reached there in the first place!
Rinchen..,
I do something similar to what you do. Ignore them.
I don’t care for WW, but I care for PT( a good surname).
From the day the world stops being cynical about the things listed from 1 to 5, people will prioritize other things. That attitude will be detrimental to the sustenance of human race. Well, if He wants that why should we worry?
I had been through the offense #3 for 3 years. The inquiries came from all directions.
I think people just can’t stand others being carefree.
And WWPT is for people who keep pretenses.
The “I don’t give a damn” concept will work only for antisocials, unfortunately. If you want to be social, the “people” must be on good terms with you. And for that, you do need to give a damn.
Sree – PT is a terrific surname
Nice to hear your thoughts on this one.
Deepak – You’re right. I’ve heard so many people being called antisocial while they were actually being carefree. Too much.
@deepak exactly!! i totally agree with being obligated not to say ” i dont give a damn” out loud, ppl would just brand u a rebel easily.(antisocial sounds too rude tho)
How did I miss this post? I guess its important not to take decisions and act just because people will or will not think something.