If I had a son, and I became a mother-in-law, this is what I would tell myself - that it is his life to make the choice, and I must welcome his partner with love.

If it isn't too much of a problem, I would like to not change name after marriage or add my husband's or father's name to it.

Getting engaged to my boyfriend meant that we got tons of unwanted advice from aunties and uncles and their neighbours...

Maa, you say that it is our destiny to serve, sacrifice, as a wife, a daughter in law, a caretaker, a servant, a slave - you must know that all - but please, a little more time?

My dear son, if you ever make your marriage a battle of egos, it will never work. Learn to let go. A letter to my son (who's now a teenager) when he thinks of getting married.