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Emraan and his family. (Source: Instagram/@emraanians)

Getting married: a personal choice

Gurleen Baruah, an occupational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing, believes that there is no set age for reaching life milestones such as marriage or having children. The key point is that these decisions should be based on personal readiness rather than on pressure from others or societal norms. In fact, deciding on a timeline for life’s milestones, such as marriage and other significant decisions, is crucial for personal empowerment and mental well-being.

“As adults, we possess the autonomy to make choices that align with our values, feelings, and circumstances. While society may impose norms and suggest ‘ideal’ ages for achieving certain milestones, like settling down or starting a family, it’s important to remember that these are human-made constructs,” she told indianexpress.com.

From a psychological perspective, Baruah noted that delaying milestones can foster a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional maturity. As people age, they often become more secure in their values, desires, and long-term goals. This emotional and psychological growth enables them to make decisions that are more aligned with their authentic selves, rather than feeling pressured by external expectations.

“Start by having an open and honest conversation with your family. Let them know that you deeply value their opinions and love them, but that choosing your own path doesn’t mean you’re disregarding their guidance or being disrespectful,” she said, adding that family pressure is constant, and navigating cultural expectations while honouring your own timeline for life’s milestons can feel like challenging, but the key is to strike the right balance through respectful communication and mature dialogue.