This is a fun essay written by one of my students. It contains characteristic views of the young people in Taiwan towards marriage.
Why are there so few couples heading towards marriage, these days?
You know… that KNOT that the older generation urges us to tie.
They say, “Marriage is an easy way to simplify your life!”
“And married friends are better to have!!”
But they only point out the positives.
They also say, “As you get older, your life will be more difficult to maintain!”
And we say, “We agree with you there. You don’t need to tell us so!”
“Wedding expenses!”
“House payments!”
“Car maintenance!”
“Child care!”
“All the living expenses for a large family!”
How can I pay all that money??? It’s unimaginable!
(Sarcastically) “My husband’s friends are very nice savages!” (Just kidding dear!)
OK, let’s consider it for one moment.
Ideally, we could just have a small family with only one son, living together.
That way, Dad's income alone would be enough to feed us all.
But father would still have to work very hard to make enough money.
But with such a small family and with father always working, the family life would be boring.
But even so, Grandma says, “Life is not so hard!” (She seems out of touch with reality.)
But what if our first child is not a son, and more children come? What will we do with them all?
Are you “Pro-Life” or “Pro-Choice”? (I am not ready for such a heavy decision as this one!)
Either way, Mother will have to work, and spend more money on a babysitter or a day care center!
Raising children and supporting our aging parents… Is this what married life is all about?
Geez! Why would I ever want to make my life become so boring, hard and complicated???
I would much rather cling to the thousand hopes of youth, and avoid all these issues which will only make me poor, exhausted and light-headed.
So my conclusion is…
Unless you’re stinking rich, don’t even think about getting married.
