Hi there,

Today is day 2 of my blog marathon. If you don't know what that is, please read my previous post.

When I do a blog marathon, I usually do not plan my posts. I write whatever is on top of my head, that particular day. I feel it is more spontaneous and natural that way. It feels like having a conversation with a friend--not just pushing out content, because one has to!

This morning on my walk (I walk my dog every single day for 45 minutes to an hour), I was thinking and pondering about an exchange I had with one of my readers. Hundreds of readers write to me--and I do try and respond to ALL. 
There was a girl who wrote to me saying her parents want her to get married to someone of their choice, from their caste. She is  financially independent  is just 23. She is in love with  a person whom her parents wouldn't approve of. She asked me what to do.

I thought about it. I remembered my friend and fellow author Kanchana Banerjee's tweet



I completely agreed with Kanchana and also the article on Women's web where five women who got married before 25 shared their experiences.

I advised this reader  to make her parents understand. The way I saw it--there were just three choices: Either she agreed to get married to the guy her parents chose, or  she waited for a couple of years (to see if her love would last) or she opposed her parents and got married straight away.

I sent her the links to the above article. I told her to be strong, whereupon she told me "It is my life." I have no idea what she meant by that. I have no idea if she was telling me not to interfere?! Perhaps she wasn't.  It was she who asked for my advice and I had given it in good faith.

I told her to think about it and do what was best for her in the current circumstances.

I do feel the best person to give you advice is YOU. Very often we ask others for advice---someone who we think is wiser, and more experienced. But the thing is their life choices, their courage, their outlook and how they view things might be completely different to yours. They might offer you advice in good faith (and because you asked). But it is up to YOU to weigh their words and decide what is best for you.

Seek advice by all means.
But I do believe no one can really give you advice. Deep down, we all have an inner compass. It points us in the right direction. But sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of daily living, we forget to listen.

Sit in silence each day. For a brief while. Switch off from everything.
The voice inside you then becomes clear.

And suddenly you know what to do.

Tell me your thoughts on this one in my comment box.
More tomorrow.

Love
Preeti.

 ___________________
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