Big pay, cooking skills, criteria for grooms: Survey

Priya S, a beauty consultant, said that she had called off her wedding after the groom’s parents insisted that she had to quit her job after marriage. “I had worked hard to build my career and I didn’t want to give it up. 

I think it is important for women to be financially independent, especially after marriage,” said the 25-year-old professional, who then created a profile to find a partner of her choice on a matrimonial website. “The first criteria I put is that I will not compromise on my career after I get hitched,” she added.  

Firdouse, a 24-year-old marketing professional, said, “I don’t want to depend on my husband for every small thing.” The survey by Bharat Matrimony, which elicited participation from 11,682 respondents, revealed an increasing shift in mindset. While 55% of girls said their fiancé’s looks didn’t matter but salary did, around 65% of women were not keen on their husbands dropping them at their office every day. 

Around 85% of both genders said they expect their partners to be absolutely frank and 75% of women said “respect for parents” by the prospective groom is very important. A majority, 65% of the men, expected their fiancé, to be ready to take care of their parents. 

However, quite a few men said that this is not necessarily the main criteria. Sarvesh R, a financial analyst, said, “I am not so particular about my future wife taking care of my parents. I am there for that.”