Who should pay the bill during the first meet is an age-old debate. Even in this era of feminism and women being financially independent, most women would still rather prefer the men pay during the first meet. It does not make the woman any less independent but rather demonstrates the man to be a gentleman. Apart from being chivalrous and courteous, taking control exudes confidence and gives the woman a sense of security; because no matter how independent women are, they love being taken care of, pampered and appreciated.
When we are talking about first meet ups, men instinctively think it has to be something extravagant. When in reality, it does not take up much to make any women happy. Most women are simply impressed by a bouquet of flowers or even by the man remembering how she likes her coffee. Similarly, in case of first meet ups, the man can simply take the woman to a place where the man’s wallet does not end up feeling lighter. After-all, women are supposed to be impressed by the company they are with and not by the place they are at.

When you keep sabr and pray continuously, Allah sends you miracles. My marriage is a fairytale and a miracle from Allah. My husband lives in our same road and we have a distance of five minutes only but all these years I had no idea that my soulmate lives so close to me. My husband is the most amazing, kindest, soft spoken human I ever saw! Shara apu from Bolo kobul, she is a blessing to me. Allah sent her as a bridge for our marriage. Lots of dua for Bolo Kobul and may Allah give you a long prosperous life Shara apu. Keep us in your prayers.

Marriage - The beautiful journey of two souls becoming one. But amidst the love, laughter, and endless cups of cha, there lies a silent battlefield: the cupboard. Whether you're setting up home in Dhaka or settling in Dallas, the struggle for space in the cupboard is real. Let’s dive into this amusing yet critical aspect of marital harmony.

The Initial Arrangement
In the beginning, everything seems perfect. You’ve moved in together, and there’s that fresh sense of newness. The cupboard is neatly divided – his clothes on one side, hers on the other. But, much like Dhaka traffic during rush hour, chaos is inevitable.

The Space Invaders
Ladies, we know you love your saris, salwar kameez, and those gorgeous lehengas for special occasions. Gents, your punjabis, shirts, and office wear are just as important. But soon, the neatly divided space starts to blur. "Honey, can I just put this one dress here?" And so it begins. Before you know it, his side looks like a cramped street vendor’s stall, while her side resembles a grand bazaar.

The Negotiation
The key to a peaceful cupboard is negotiation. Just like bargaining at New Market, it requires skill and patience. "I’ll give you space for two more shirts if I can keep my extra pairs of shoes here." Or, "Let’s install another shelf; it’s a win-win." Compromise is the cornerstone of both a successful marriage and an organized cupboard.

Creative Solutions
Living in Bangladesh or abroad, space can be a constraint. Here are a few creative solutions:
Dual-Purpose Furniture: Invest in a bed with storage drawers or an ottoman that doubles as a storage unit.
Vertical Space: Use hanging organizers and shelves to maximize vertical space.
Seasonal Rotation: Store off-season clothes in suitcases or under the bed to free up space.

The Purge
Every few months, it’s essential to purge the cupboard. Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year. This not only creates space but also brings a sense of relief. Plus, it’s a good deed! "One person’s clutter is another person’s treasure."

In the grand scheme of marriage, the battle for cupboard space is a minor skirmish. It teaches patience, compromise, and creativity. So, whether you’re folding clothes in Barisal or Boston, remember that sharing a cupboard is just one of the many adventures in this journey of togetherness.

A well-organized cupboard might be a dream, but a happy marriage is a reality you can achieve with love, respect, and a bit of humor. After all, it’s not just about making space in the cupboard; it’s about making space in your hearts for each other.

In the bustling corridors of university life, where dreams flourished and hearts danced to the rhythm of youth, I found myself enchanted by a senior who had ignited a spark within my heart. Little did I know that this enchantment would mark the beginning of a beautiful journey, one where I would become my very own matchmaker.

The object of my affection was a senior, a charismatic individual who seemed to possess an aura of mystery and allure. As I secretly admired from afar, I knew that my feelings needed a voice, a way to bridge the gap between my heart and his. So, I turned to the age-old art of poetry, crafting verses that bared my soul and unveiled the emotions I had kept hidden for so long.

In those carefully chosen words, I poured my heart out, leaving the poem as a message to be deciphered. It was a gamble, a leap of faith into the unknown. But as fate would have it, my feelings were reciprocated, and our love story began to unfold.

Four magical years flew by, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and a bond that only grew stronger with each passing day. We supported each other through the highs and lows of life, navigating the challenges of university life and adulthood together. Our love became an unbreakable bond, and we knew that we were meant to be.

A decade has now passed since we have tied the knot, and our love story continues to evolve. We are not just a couple; we are a family of four, with two beautiful children who embody the love that brought us together. Our journey has been a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the belief that sometimes, the heart knows best.

But our story is not just about us; it's about the ripple effect that love can create. Inspired by our own journey, I embarked on a mission to help others find their soulmates in a world where technology had changed the rules of dating. In an era dominated by swipes and screens, I am trying to become a beacon of hope, proving that love could still be found in the digital age.

With unwavering determination, I delved into the intricacies of modern matchmaking, using technology as a tool to connect hearts and create lasting relationships. My journey as a matchmaker was fueled by the belief that everyone deserves a chance at true love, and I was determined to be the catalyst for that change.

As I reflect on my journey, I am proud to say that I have successfully supported 83 prospects in finding their life partners. Each success story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human heart.

In a world where love stories are often reduced to swipes and superficial connections, our story stands as a reminder that true love is worth the wait, the effort, and the risk. And I, the matchmaker, will continue to bring people together, one heartfelt connection at a time, proving that love can conquer all, even in the times of online dating apps.

Arranged marriages often evoke a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. While the concept might seem daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with it, there are numerous reasons why one shouldn't be scared of arranged marriage. Let’s explore the common fears and why they might be unfounded for those living in Bangladesh or abroad.

The Fear of the Unknown
Myth: "I don't know the person well enough. What if we’re not compatible?"
Reality: In arranged marriages today, families and individuals invest time in getting to know potential partners. There are meetings, conversations, and even dating-like experiences to ensure compatibility. It's like a well-organized job interview, but with more tea and samosas.
Instance: Think of it as a social media profile—it's not just the picture; it’s about reading the bio, interests, and mutual friends.

The Pressure to Conform
Myth: "I have no choice in the matter. My parents are forcing me."
Reality: Modern arranged marriages are a collaborative effort. Parents might suggest potential matches, but the final decision rests with the couple. It’s more of a guided introduction rather than a forced arrangement.
Instance: It’s like your parents being your personal matchmakers, minus the swipe left and right. They’ve just upgraded from Facebook to real-life matchmaking!

The Cultural Stereotypes
Myth: "Arranged marriages are outdated and regressive."
Reality: Arranged marriages have evolved with time. They now blend tradition with modern values, focusing on mutual respect, shared goals, and personal growth. It’s about preserving cultural heritage while embracing contemporary practices.
Instance: Imagine combining the best of both worlds—traditional values with modern swag. It’s like having biryani with a side of sushi.

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on Love
Myth: "What if I don’t fall in love?"
Reality: Love in arranged marriages often blossoms over time. The initial connection, based on mutual respect and understanding, lays a strong foundation for love to grow. It’s not about the love-at-first-sight cliché but about building a deep, meaningful relationship.
Instance: Think of it as a slow-cooked curry—flavors deepen and get richer with time, unlike fast food which is just quick and forgettable.

The Concern About Family Dynamics
Myth: "I’ll be marrying the whole family, not just the person."
Reality: While family involvement is a significant aspect of arranged marriages, it can also be a source of support and strength. Understanding family dynamics and setting boundaries helps create a balanced relationship.
Instance: Yes, it’s a package deal, but think of all the extra hands for household chores and the endless supply of homemade goodies!

The Fear of Cultural and Personal Adjustments
Myth: "What if I can’t adjust to the new lifestyle or traditions?"
Reality: Adjustment is a part of any marriage, arranged or love. The key is open communication and willingness to understand and embrace each other’s backgrounds. This cultural exchange can enrich your life and broaden your horizons.
Instance: Adjustments are like trying a new cuisine—you might hesitate at first, but once you develop a taste, you’ll love the variety it brings.

The Myth of Compromise Over Happiness
Myth: "Arranged marriages require compromising personal happiness for familial obligations."
Reality: Healthy relationships involve compromise from both partners, leading to mutual happiness. In an arranged marriage, the support of families can enhance the couple’s happiness, providing a robust support system.
Instance: It’s like sharing your Netflix account—initially, you compromise on what to watch, but eventually, you find series that you both love binge-watching together.

Embracing Arranged Marriage Instead of fearing arranged marriages, view them as a different path to the same destination—a loving, fulfilling, and enduring partnership. The combination of family support, cultural richness, and modern practices makes arranged marriages a unique and viable way to find lifelong companionship.

In the end, it’s not about how you met, but how you build and nurture the relationship. So, whether you’re embarking on this journey in Bangladesh or anywhere else in the world, approach it with an open heart, a positive mindset, and a dash of humor. After all, every love story is unique, and yours will be no exception.