Are women setting their standards too high?

At the end of the day we still hope that along the way as we bury our heads deep in the process of building our careers, we will meet a loving man who would make us happy.

“When are you getting married?”

Such question often comes whenever I am at a wedding or friend’s reunion party.

I have learned to flash a genuine smile without giving away any detailed explanation, hoping that it would not encourage the bombardment of questions which often starts with a “why” if I were to say “not any time soon”.

While I appreciate their concern, such question is getting old.

I often hear that women will have lesser options in meeting quality men as they age. People also often say that women who are single have set their standards high that most men can’t keep up with.

No doubt, in this day and age, many of us have decided to focus on our careers and personal growth before pursuing any kind of serious relationships. We may have pushed marriage a little further down the list of priorities, but at the end of the day we still hope that along the way as we bury our heads deep in the process of building our careers, we will meet a loving man who would make us happy.

As we get older we become a little less flexible when it comes to looking for a life partner. It is often one of the most discussed topics with my young and bright female friends, while gushing about each romantic prospect over dinner and drinks.

Romantic prospect, or sometimes of whom we have a crush on, is one of the more universal topic that resonates well among women of all ages and background.

Yes, to all male readers out there, does it come as a surprise to you?

Career-oriented and ambitious women have feelings too. There will be times where we blush like a fifteen-year-old and there are also moments where we feel vulnerable.

Our role at work often requires us to demonstrate strength despite moments when we may feel down or weak but it is hard to have a constant shield of toughness.

At the end of the day, we are human beings who crave for love and affection. All we really want is someone who understands our dreams and goals; a man, who understands that we may have a busy lifestyle, but is comfortable and understands that it is a part of who we are.

I am not one who settles or dates a person just to have the opportunity to revert to any social invitation with a “plus one”. I believe in love and more importantly, holding out for what’s right. Eventually, we do want the same thing as every other men and women, to love and be loved in return.

I say, as a note to self and to all of my single friends, stop looking too hard for love. Go about with life as is and maximise the joy of life by enjoying as much as possible. I may not be able to look into the future but I believe that love is often found in the most peculiar or unsuspecting circumstances.

But of course, the next time you noticed a guy you are interested in, flash a smile and if possible say hi. Make the most out of the interaction, because you will never know.

- Source: Astro Awani