I always looked up to my parents as the epitome of love and respect. They were the perfect example of a strong and happy marriage, and I couldn’t have asked for better role models. My mother was always the one who gave me unconditional love and support, while my father was the strict disciplinarian who taught me the value of hard work and determination.
Mother want the easy way out for daughter
But one day, I was shocked to hear a conversation between my parents that shattered my image of them. I overheard my mother telling me to “look pretty and find a rich guy instead of wasting my time studying”. It was like a slap in the face, and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
Growing up, I was always encouraged to excel in my studies. My parents instilled in me the importance of education and how it could shape my future. They constantly reminded me that I was capable of achieving anything I set my mind to, and that my intelligence was my biggest asset. So to hear my mother say something like that was not only surprising but also hurtful.
I couldn’t understand why my mother, who had always been my biggest cheerleader, would suddenly say something like that. Was it because I wasn’t conventionally pretty? Was it because my parents were having financial problems? I couldn’t wrap my head around it.
Rich husband
Being a curious teenager, I decided to confront my mother about her statement. I asked her why she would say something like that, and her response was even more shocking. She told me that in today’s world, beauty and charm were more important than intelligence and education. She said that if I wanted to have a comfortable and luxurious life, I needed to find a rich husband who could provide for me.
I was dumbfounded. My mother, who had always preached the importance of independence and self-sufficiency, was now telling me to rely on a man for my future. I couldn’t believe that she would say something so regressive and sexist. And to make matters worse, my father seemed to agree with her.
I couldn’t help but feel disappointed and angry at my parents. How could they, who had always been my pillars of strength, suddenly have such narrow-minded views? I tried to reason with them, reminding them of all the successful women who had achieved great things through their hard work and determination. But they wouldn’t listen. They were stuck in their archaic beliefs that a woman’s worth was determined by her looks and her ability to marry well.
From that day on, my relationship with my parents changed. I couldn’t look at them the same way anymore. I couldn’t understand how they could prioritize materialistic desires over my education and personal growth. I felt betrayed and let down.
But despite their words, I refused to give up on my dreams and aspirations. I continued to work hard and excel in my studies, determined to make a successful future for myself. And in the end, I proved my parents wrong. I landed a prestigious job after graduation and earned a handsome salary, all on my own merits.
Looking back, I realize that my parents’ words were a reflection of their own fears and insecurities. They were afraid of not being able to provide for me and wanted me to have a comfortable life. But in their pursuit of materialistic happiness, they forgot the most important lesson they had taught me – to value my intelligence and education above all else.