Wedding fever!

Feeling broody

I'm ashamed to say that the idea of marriage and kids have become a serious obsession. I don't know if it's old age or the fact everyone around me (as in on my Facebook) are having babies and/or getting engaged/married (depressing times) but it's continuously on my mind.

My friends and I have discussed that we have reached that stage in our lives that we need to start thinking seriously about things. I know we play up on the whole granny thing, but as we are trying to be taken more seriously in our careers, we also want this in our relationships. We still want to have fun etc but I can safely say I am far too old for these mind games men like to play. If I don't see a serious future with you; I am not wasting my time with you. Sorry. I've had enough fun (please refer to my previous posts), I am now old and ideally, *psycho bells* want to be with someone now, that in the next few years, I will eventually marry. I am no way saying I am ready for marriage right now, but realistically, I will want to be with someone for a few years and have fun whilst getting to know each other, then by 25 (i.e. the next three years-dear God!) I would like to be married or engaged and think about kids. I'm broody as hell recently and want to be a cool 'yummy mummy'. Looking after my beautiful baby cousins and having cute kids come into work has not helped matters believe me. My ovaries cry every time and I'm scared they're gonna go dry and soon give up on me (hang in there ladies! There's always hope!)

It doesn't help that women on my Facebook regularly update me with their pregnancy tales, scans, bumps and all sorts. My manager is eight months pregnant and all I can think about right now is babies, babies, babies! Last year, I was quite broody and this is where it started, I would joke to guys about it and they would play along (little did they know I was being totally serious), now however, the obsession has gone insane. I am terrified.

To make matters worse, marriage is a huge deal in my family. It won't matter that I have bagged two degrees, may one day get an amazing job which pays ridiculous amounts, have my own place and a fancy car. If I'm unmarried with no kids, I am a failure and I'll be known as 'poor Leyla Mai, that clever unmarried girl'. Something to look forward to then...
Mother constantly asks me when will she be expecting grand kids (oh okay, I'll just climb on top of myself and provide the sperm as well shall I?!)

Traditional Turkish engagement

Wedding fever is everywhere (or perhaps I'm just noticing it more) but whenever I go to a wedding, I get really involved and emotional; even if I barely know them. My younger Uncle recently embarked on a very important chapter in his life and what I love is that the Turkish tradition was kept. He went to ask for his girlfriend's hand in marriage, my family in tow bearing gifts and adhering to the traditional way, was just lovely.

I'd like to think that marriage exists and isn't a myth. I know I'm normally rather cynical and a lot of people think marriage will just end in divorce, so there's no point, but there is some part of me that would like to think it could. Perhaps too many Disney infused films or something but I think the sanctity of marriage needs to make a come-back. Hearing that someone wants to marry you, sees you in their future and wants to raise a family with you, is probably one of the biggest compliments ever to be received.

I'm not saying I flirt/date a guy and think about marrying him straight away (lies), but if you're not serious about life and messing around, literally, jog on mate. I'm eight years away from thirty and the cat shelter are expecting me with open arms.

Vera Wang

I almost applied for a job that involved bridal wear and then I thought this would not only make me more crazy than I already am but it may give me some sort of bad luck. Always dressing a bride but never being one ('27 Dresses' one of my fave films: always a bridesmaid, never a bride) I keep somehow bringing marriage into conversations even at work. I made a Freudian slip and said a sentence which involved something like 'when I got married' because that made me look sane..

Cliché to say, but my favourite wedding dress designer will always be Vera Wang (liking her Facebook page with constant sketches on my page has not helped matters) though recently Carolina Herrera has caught my eye and well unrealistic as it is, the engagement ring must be Harry Winston. Classic. Nothing trying to be different and snazzy, keep it simple. You cannot go wrong. Never gold. Silver/white gold/platinum and only square or round cut. Pear shaped is a no go. Gold engagement rings should be illegal. I know I have thought way too much into this but I've been flicking through bridal magazines for too many years, and my biggest debate is to wear a veil or not?

Harry Winston's finest

Spring time and the start of the New Year means more marriages are bound to happen! Mother is trying to set me up with random Turkish men and casually mentions arranged marriages (this is not a joke- whereas my life is). Family and friends have suggested they see me marrying my close male friends which has seriously creeped me out. (I suppose, it is a good thing I have a pact to marry one, if we're both unmarried by a certain age...)

There is a Turkish tradition that the Mothers start putting away/buying things for their daughter's future marriage and new home. It's called the 'bottom drawer' (ceyizlik) and things like linens and cutlery are kept. Shock, my Mother has one for me, I just hope I get to use it at some point. However, if I get my own place but I am not married, does that mean I do not get to use the bottom drawer's items? What a waste.

[This waste symbolises the waste of life that 'clever unmarried Leyla Mai' had.]