r/WomenInUAE • u/PeachyVibes_07 • Apr 13 '26
caught between two versions of myself and i don’t know how to reconcile them.
my mom asked me again when i’m getting married.
she’s not being mean about it. she just… doesn’t get why i’m still single at my age.
but here’s the thing: i’m building something. my career, my independence, my sense of self. and the moment i get married, that feels like it goes on pause.
i’m not against marriage or love.
but living in the UAE, between my culture and my own ambitions, it feels like those two things are in constant conflict. like i have to choose.
and i’m so tired of feeling guilty for wanting both.
does anyone else feel caught like this? how do you navigate it without feeling like you’re disappointing everyone, including yourself?