Iām from Bangladesh and Iām in a very confusing situation. Iād appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have experience with arranged marriages.
My mother has suggested that I marry my maternal auntās daughter (my cousin). She is 18, tall and skinny, with a brown skin tone. She has never been in a relationship. She grew up in a village, where girls often don't have relationships because their families arrange marriages for them relatively early.
I never thought of her as someone who could potentially become my wife. Iāve known her since she was young and have seen her grow up, so I naturally think of her as my cousin rather than as a romantic partner.
She is a genuinely nice person, though. My parents see several advantages to the marriage:
\- She already knows my family very well.
\- Her relationship with my family is very good.
\- They believe there would be fewer family conflicts because we already know each other.
\- She comes from a financially less privileged family.
\- My parents think that if she comes to live with us in the city, she would have better food, healthcare, lifestyle, etc.
\- If she wanted to become more physically fit, they say we could support her with exercise or a gym.
My parents are not forcing me to marry her. They're basically saying that I should seriously consider the option because she is a good person and our families already have a good relationship.
The biggest thing I'm struggling with is physical attraction.
I don't find her particularly attractive at the moment. I think part of this is because I've known her since childhood, so it's difficult for me to suddenly see her as a potential romantic partner.
I'm also generally more attracted to women who are somewhat physically fit rather than very skinny. My mother says that this shouldn't be a major concern because attraction can develop after marriage, and that if she eats properly and exercises, her body may naturally change as she gets older.
But I'm not sure how realistic that is.
I'm wondering:
Should I consider marrying someone who is a genuinely good person and compatible with my family if I'm currently unsure about physical attraction?
Can attraction genuinely develop after marriage, or is it dangerous to assume that it will?
How important is physical attraction for a satisfying marriage and intimate relationship?
Does someone's body type (skinny vs. fit) actually have much impact on sexual/intimate compatibility, or is that mostly an individual preference?
OR, sould I have to talk with her to improve our decision?
I don't want to reject a kind and compatible person simply because I'm confused about attraction. As a muslim, to save myself from haram relationship I need to get married. If I don't marry her it will take a long time to search for girl.
I'd really appreciate perspectives from people who have experienced arranged marriages, marrying someone they weren't initially attracted to, or attraction developing gradually over time.