Sunday20thMay07

Today, I was minding my own business on the bus on the way home from Taipei when a couple came and sat next to me. The guy turned around and started talking to me (in English,) grilling me about why I was here, how long etc, etc. I didn't mind (although was pretty tired and just wanted to space out for a while) until he asked if I was single. For one thing, I didn't really see how that was any of his business, but for the sake of hopefully ending the conversation I answered. He waited a few seconds and then said, 'but why are you not married, you're twenty one already, that's not young, you must hurry up.'

I couldn't believe it. I think it's the first time I've felt insulted here. (although he wasn't Taiwanese so it might not count.)

After taking a few seconds to register what he had just said, I decided not to argue with him. I don't need validation about my life choices from strangers on the bus. I certainly wasn't about to let his bizarre view that twenty one is almost over the hill make me run off in search of a husband. Admittedly, it took a lot of effort not to ask him what century he thought it was.