Back when I decided to dive right back into the matchmaking pool for nothing more than the amusement of my readers, a few friends told me that a) I was playing with people’s feelings and that b) I was a bad, heartless, soulless, shell of a woman for playing with people’s feelings.
This was all confirmed on Wednesday. Earlier that morning, I’d told my mother (via my brother…ahem), that, after lukewarmly entertaining one rishta, I was ready to bow out of the matchmaking game. I thought I could go through with it, that it wouldn’t be such a big deal; whereas last time I was perpetually angry about being put in the most absurd situations, I was asking for it this time, wasn’t I? I was in control.
Yah, not so much. Just the thought of having my photo shopped around, regardless of whether or not I’m a complying participant in the game, simply does not sit well with me (I’d be a terrible investigative reporter…or an undercover secret agent…or a wildlife filmmaker/cameraman/photographer). Furthermore, as much as I was all gung ho about meeting guys (who were probably serious about getting hitched) for shits and giggles, I just can’t do it. Who was I kidding?
So, back to my mom: she was upset on Wednesday night. She wasn’t angry because she’s rarely ever angry (and anger is, in many ways, so much easier to deal with, right?). She was heartbreakingly, gut-wrenchingly, “I’m-giving-up-on-you-and-wonder-if-I’ll-live-to-see-the-day-you’re-married” upset.
I love my mother fiercely. She’s more than my mom; she’s one of my closest friends. Our love for one another is truly unmatched in its unconditionality. So, yes, I felt lower than low when I saw how much my actions had hurt her. Looking at the situation from her perspective, all she wants is to see me happy. I was wrong in taking advantage of her good intentions.
Clearly, I’m a bad, heartless, soulless shell of a woman.
After a few days of being curt and despondent, she’s pretty much back to her happy, lovely, cheerful self. I’m still trying super hard to make it up to her though. I thought that surprising her with a Regina Spektor show would be grand until I realized that she could probably give two rats’ asses about Regina Spektor. I’m still mulling over the idea, however. She might end up loving RS and the night out on town would probably be a nice break for her (or not so much; for the record, I SUCK when it comes to knowing what people want and I’m the worst gift-giver on the planet; I ALWAYS, ALWAYS go over the top...or I forget about birthdays and other gift-giving occasions altogether, which isn't any better).
Any ideas from my readers will be much appreciated.
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9 comments:
Yo, you can get married and give her a grand kid. Now, that would be the best gift to her from you, no???
You could take her to the next Taraveeh prayer marathon at the local mosque. My mother in law loves it when I do that.
I guess all mom's only want to see their kids happy... only problem is, our idea of happy may differ from theirs... sigh
Anyway, you've been tagged at my blog. I hope you like movies :)
Luv: I'll definitely check out your blog soon. Thanks for stopping by!
Anonymous: Er...how about another suggestion?
Passion: Yah, I'm straying further and further away from the Regina Spektor idea and thinking bling...or a spa weekend...although my mom has never been so keen on spas...
Kinza: Oh, it has to be more fun than that! Your mother-in-law sounds like she's very easy (OR extremely difficult) to please.
TS: ...and so it goes...
I'll definitely answer your questions tomorrow! Right now all I want to do is go to sleep. Staying awake without coffee was tough today!
You should have taken her to that Dulhan Expo over in LI ;)
I think you should get married! :)
Unlike the previous anonymous, I DON'T think you should get married... EVER. If that's the stress you put yourself and your mother through just because of a little marriage, I'd hate to see what happens to the poor sod you eventually do marry.
How about taking home a male pakistani friend (perhaps a gay friend) as your potential 'soulmate' and have him behave obnoxiously but appear totally Good on Paper (religious, Ivy League, doctor/engineer). This should cure your folks of any lingering arrange-ofying intentions.
I guess if you're not going to be sincere about it, why bother? You don't want your mother embarrassed in front of her friends when she has to explain that you did it for a lark (or blog!) You need to bow out gracefully and explain to her that you're not comfortable and don't want to put her in an awkward position either. Tell her you're doing it for her.
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