Sorry, long one.

Looking back, I think my oldest sister was one of the lucky ones.

One day, this guy my parents chose, flew into the country and two weeks later they were married.

The only ‘good’ thing is, he wasn’t really religious, not bad looking and had her back, just an overall good guy. She quickly fell for him, but still begrudging him too, because it was not her choice.

He gave her more freedom, respect and trust than my parents ever did. He’d help with the kids, clean, cook, work etc… so she could go back to school for her degree.

My parents objected to that and her walking around without a stupid headscarf they pressured her into and he told them she was his wife now, he trusted her and she could do and dress as she pleased. She got her degree and started working.

They’re still happily married now after 28 years and have 3 daughters. One of them even broke the wheel and married a Belgian guy :)

Times have really changed for the better for some of us.