“An arranged Marriage is one in which by someone other than the couple getting married makes the selection of the persons to be wed, curtailing or avoiding the process of courtship”.

This is the definition given to the world, by a well-used (although potentially unreliable) source known as Wikipedia. As I sit and read several articles on the concept of arranged marriage, I believe that I should share the REALITY of the custom.

I come from a semi-liberal North Indian family, but was born and bred in the UK. Arranged marriage is still apparent within my community, although not in the way in which it is sometimes portrayed. To begin, with arranged marriages in the western world amongst Indians in particular, tend to happen, when women believe that they want to get married and have not found someone they believe is suitable.

Being in my mid 20s, several of my friends who are without partner, have subtly asked their parents to begin introducing them to what they believe to be fitting partners. Let’s get one thing straight however: There is no obligation to marry any of the people you meet, and you do have the option to court. Several people I know have dated an introduced partner, got to know them, and decided it may not be for them; it can be as casual as that.

Arranged marriages nowadays consist of a blind date type situation. Two people will meet in an open space, arranged via telephone or email. From that point on, it is up to the two individuals to manage the relationship and make a choice. If they get on, then they will meet again.

Attitudes to relationships within eastern countries have also taken a positive turn. In these communities, it is not generally acceptable to have a live-in partner before marriage, but even this has become quite the norm. I am proud to say that ethnic communities are becoming more broadminded.