For a couple of years, I have been exposed to this beautiful phrase called ‘settle down’. And honestly, it seems like ages now. Somehow, I never understood it well then. And I still don’t really understand it now. I would like to believe that people who keep giving this advice, have the best of intentions in their mind. But, please understand the fact that your ideologies can be different than mine.
I respect yours. The least that you can do is respect mine.
I am ready to listen to your perspective for sure. But, please stop judging me for politely refusing to take your advice and not ‘falling in line’. Please stop judging me for living a life on my own terms. Right or wrong is always subjective.
Let me learn my own life lessons. Let me breathe.
I am 32, married, in a long-distance-marriage phase for a while, trying to manage a corporate career, trying harder to fight the inner demons and trying hardest to stick around the man I love.
Amidst the cacophony of our own battles, we come across ‘concerned’ people in our lives, whose only concern is to see you ‘settle down’. The rants are unending and the unsolicited advice is abundant. To all of them – THANKS, but NO THANKS.
I am settled down enough to feel my LOVE grow in leaps and bounds over a span of 8 long years of knowing my man.
I am settled down enough to still notice the SPARK in my husband’s eyes over a video call.
I am settled down enough to still feel the FLUTTER in my heart, each time he cracks the silliest joke with the confidence of the best comedian in the world.
I am settled down enough to enjoy our life together, without having to make space for a CHILD in our lives yet.
I am settled down enough to be on the SAME PAGE with him, after almost a decade of knowing each other.
I am settled down enough to live for MYSELF a bit, without any guilt.
I am settled down enough to have the MENTAL SPACE to learn a bit of French, while interacting with a new client on my project.
I am settled down enough to work and live just for myself while I WRITE.
I am settled down enough to have that SOLID RESOLVE to keep fighting the insecurities and make my relationship work.
I am settled down enough to DARE to be happy in the real sense.
I am settled down enough to RISE and SHINE.
I am settled down enough to NEVER GIVE UP.
But, sadly, the ‘people’s perception’ of settling down is different than mine.
Why does this phrase ‘settle down’ still feel so weird? Isn’t it the basic property of mud to settle down? That’s what I perceive and believe in at least. Or can it actually be applicable to humans too? If yes, I am sorry. My brain is wired way more differently than yours.
This little piece of my heart is also featured on Terribly Tiny Tales.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla and sponsored by Bakez by Daizy.