ADVICE AUNTIE AGNI.

Dear Auntie,

I am a 23-year-old man who graduated last August. After graduation, I got a good government job in a well-reputed department, although it was not part of my future plans.

Now, having graduated and secured a government job, my parents - along with the rest of my family - are trying to convince me to marry my first cousin. Even though I have refused, my mom doesn't want me to marry anyone apart from my cousin. She is continuously being pressurised by other family members.

I have some issues with this. Firstly, I am confused about whether I am ready for marriage or not. I have a goal to accomplish, which can take either one, or even five to six years. Given that I don't want to compromise on my career, is it possible to manage being married with a job?

Secondly, despite having no other girl in my life, I don't want to marry my cousin. There are a couple of reasons behind it. First of all, I never thought about her as my life partner. So, I am not excited at all. Moreover, my cousin has no goals for pursuing her career. And I believe that if your partner is not going through a similar situation as you, it would be difficult for her to understand your condition. So, I have goals and I don't want an unambitious partner.

'I don't want to marry my cousin'

Dear Auntie, please help me decide whether I should go with my parents' decision about my life partner or should I put my own interests before theirs about my choice of partner? And more importantly, is it the right time for me to get married?

Wavering

Dear Wavering,

It's important to remember that, ultimately, the decision to get married and who to marry is yours alone. So take the time to carefully consider your options and make a decision that...