If there are two things that are found all around us it is “Free advice” and “questions”. And both these shall be imparted without an ounce of consideration or thought to others.  And I have been subject to both these for more times than I can bother to keep track of.

Infact it has come to a point where I don’t care anymore.. I don’t react and that pisses them off more!
Last week, was out with friends when one of the girls [friend’s friend] asked me “So, where is your child? someone at home to take care of them?”.. I looked at her and replied “Nope, no children that I have abandoned anywhere”.

Her next que “And your husband?” I once again patiently replied “Nope, none that I know of..am still single”

She gaped, went all silent, awkward and slowly edged her way to the other side of the group…  I thought to myself “Are you serious? What on earth would prompt someone to just ask things like that to people they were meeting for the 1st time”…  My friend was like “sorry machan.. she can get quite nosy”. I just shrugged it off and let is slide…

A similar instance few years ago came to my mind. This was a friend’s sis in law who asked me about marriage, children and when I answered in the negative for both she went on to give me some lowely advice “you know you shouldn’t put off these things for long.. you are growing old.. your body can’t deal with change. if you want kids, you should start planning now itself.. bla bla bla”… All I did was sit silently and not react. Cos I knew if I reacted it would lead to another string of comments/questions….

These were both women, and I thought it might be a woman thing- being nosy and asking questions. But one guy I met [for matrimonial purposes] actually asked me “Is there something wrong with you? Are you not telling me something? [and here I was gritting my teeth and controlling the urge to have slapped him for all the idiotic things he had uttered].. I just stared at him and asked ‘Why would you assume that?”..

He: “No, you are still single… so…”

I:”Umm, yes am single by choice…”

He:”Oh! really?”

I: “yes, really”

He: “Okay.. but you are 30+, so is there anything wrong that I should know of”

I:”Well, there is one thing……”

He: “Ah, see I knew it”

I: “Well, I can’t imagine going ahead with this, and can’t imagine living with someone like you”

He: “Whaat… why… what happened”

I: “Well, let us just say we aren’t compatible.. Goodbye!”

He: “err, I was just asking… don’t get angry!”

I: “Are you serious?”
[I bid adieu and walked off… men- gah!]

When will people realise it is my life, I am free to live it my way!