ON A DIFFERENT NOTE | Marriage? In This Economy?! How to Survive Love, Life, and Drama with a Sprinkle of Empathy

And just like that, two of my colleagues asked me if I was already married, and that question hit me hard—not because I hadn’t been asked before, but because it felt like a reflection of a broader societal expectation that no longer fits the world we live in. Why are people still fixated about marriage, especially in this kind of economy? It’s challenging enough to support yourself, let alone take on the responsibility of raising a family. For me, that question was not about love or relationships, but about survival in an increasingly harsh economic landscape.

When I think about starting a family, my mind immediately jumps to the financial burden it represents. How can anyone, in good conscience, commit to such a long-term responsibility if they can barely make ends meet themselves? Sure, marriage and family have been traditional milestones, but our generation has started to realize that these expectations are no longer requirements. We’ve become more pragmatic and, dare I say, a little more realistic about our future. After all, we’re all going to die at some point—so what’s the point of adding unnecessary stress by building a family you can’t even afford to support?

Some may find that perspective bleak, but it's also liberating. It’s not about rejecting marriage or family; it’s about redefining what’s necessary and what’s optional. We shouldn’t feel pressured to follow traditional paths if they no longer align with the realities of the modern world. And one of those realities is that economic capacity has to come first. The idea of starting something as significant as a family without being able to fully support it is not just irresponsible; it’s setting everyone involved up for a life of struggle. 

Why make life harder than it needs to be?

On a different note

Tonight took another interesting turn when I found myself in an awkward situation in a taxi. The driver and a fellow passenger—a Filipino man who had clearly had a rough day—ended up in a heated argument. The Filipino man was on the phone, speaking softly, but the driver snapped at him, telling him to be quiet. It was obvious the man had already reached his breaking point. He worked in a flower shop and had just had a terrible day at work, being reprimanded by colleagues over a last-minute change in orders. The stress and frustration boiled over, and the taxi driver’s reprimand was the final straw.

Watching this scene unfold, I couldn't help but think about the importance of empathy. Both the driver and the passenger were having tough days, and neither really knew what the other was going through. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own frustrations that we forget to step back and consider the other person’s perspective. The Filipino man, exhausted from a demanding day, needed understanding. The driver, perhaps on edge after hours on the road, may have simply been trying to keep his cab peaceful. Both of them were human, both of them struggling in their own way.

This encounter reminded me of a universal truth: we need more kindness in our interactions with others. We have no idea what battles the people around us are fighting, and it’s often easier—and far more productive—to offer a little empathy instead of escalating tension. In a world that’s already hard enough, why make it harder by being unkind?

Life's Big Decisions and Everyday Encounters

Whether it’s the pressure to marry or the need to exercise patience with strangers, life throws challenges at us that test our resilience and compassion. What I learned from these seemingly unrelated experiences is this: In both the big, life-defining decisions and the small, everyday moments, empathy is the key. Understanding where others are coming from—whether it's your colleagues pressuring you to marry or a taxi driver losing patience—can make the world a bit more bearable for everyone involved.

So, to anyone reading this: Be kind, be patient, and be mindful of the fact that every person you meet is carrying a story you know nothing about. And remember, the most powerful impact you can have on someone else’s life is sometimes as simple as showing them empathy.

Let’s stop trying to fit into boxes society expects us to, especially when those boxes no longer serve us. Let’s live in a way that honors our capacity—both emotionally and financially. But above all, let’s choose empathy. In a world this chaotic, a little kindness can go a long way.

Now, let’s go out there and break the cycle—kindness is the revolution we all need.