The Waiting Room: A Longing for Love

Years of unmet longing to find a suitable life partner had led me to a state of deep hopelessness. In the context of arranged marriage, I felt increasingly devalued by society as I grew older, becoming a less desirable prospect. I started living a life of rejection, inside out. On the outside, either I was rejecting potential partners, or getting rejected by them. And on the inside, I had resigned from living the life I truly desired. I put life on hold! A metaphor that aptly describes my past state is: 'I was hanging in a stale, moldy waiting room, with all my doors and windows closed, passively waiting for my prince charming to rescue me.' My happiness felt entirely dependent on that one possibility. That belief pushed me into constant anxiety and fear.

Working with Sneh led me to self-awareness and powerfully reconnected me to hope. Through our work together, I let go of the pent-up anger, anxiety, and despair from not finding love on my expected timeline. I learned to take charge of my own life. Metaphorically, 'I opened the doors and windows of my waiting room, allowing fresh air and light to flood in.' I have now started decorating my waiting room with things I love and that bring me joy. I am no longer desperately waiting but have learned to live a life that I genuinely look forward to each day. I have gained self-acceptance and learned to embrace the present moment. I am hopeful that this positive state will naturally attract the right partner when the time is right.

-Kanisha, Mumbai, India