Priya Khan*, born and brought up in Bangalore, and currently studying in the US, has her entire career chalked out for herself. And she's having the most fun at the same time - dating men that she likes. They may not be the type she could take home to her parents, but what the hell, she's making the most of her college life! She cannot think of a long-term relationship with any of them though. Her focus on her career will not allow her to spend time searching for the right man. Having her parents choose her husband for her seems like a great option. After all, arranged marriage is a tested and tried method of marriage. This way, he will be from within her community, educated, intelligent and from a wealthy family. What more could she ask for?

Hold Your Horses...

Ok, before we get besieged with letters and angry e-mails from the romantics of the world, we're not saying you must opt for an arranged marriage if you don't have a guy before you hit 26. No way. We're also great believers in the 'It will happen if and when it has to' concept. No, this is for the women who want a man in their lives sooner than later.

Mom, Dad... It's Time

If your man does come your way while you are working/studying, then well and good, but if he doesn't, you may as well outsource the task of finding Mr Right to your parents. You know it's time to call your parents and give them the green signal to begin the hunt for you when:

You're studying/working and have not been able to find the man you want to settle down with. If you're one of those women who has seen men from every walk of life, skin colour, and income bracket, and have yet not been able to nail Your Man, you know that it's your cue to let your parents start lining up potential grooms for you. After all, you cannot go on with life this way, dating all the wrong men when the right one is right under your parents' nose!

You have an established career and are way too engrossed in making your millions to worry about finding the man. It's only when you have a couple's invitation to an office party sitting on your table that you realise you have nobody to go with. Not to worry. Your troubleshooters are sitting back at home probably with a list of 'rishtaas' for their darling daughter. All you have to do is take your pick!

You've dated too many wrong men and it's high time Mr Right came into your life. Now doesn't this sound familiar? When you try and turn the guy you're dating into 'The One' and it just doesn't seem to work out... Again, our advice is not to worry, girls, an arranged marriage would be the cure to your confusion. After all, who knows us better than our own families!

You know that the man you choose will not suit your parents. To avoid further strains in relationships (you really don't want these sort of complications in your life at this point), you go directly to your parents and have them choose your mate for you. Your career is your top priority at this point and the last thing you want to be doing is going on random dates. Keep your concentration going and don't be distracted by men around you. Your parents have their eyes set on the right one for you!

An Arranged Match Is Dreamy 'Cos...

Your parents already approve of him, so that 'Oh you'll realise how wonderful he is once you get to know him' argument is out of the way.

He has met the pre-requisite of dealing with your ambition and being ambitious himself.

You've both discussed time commitment.

The moolah will keep pouring in from both of your incomes.

The uncertainty factor that comes along with dating is taken care of.

Now you're probably thinking two things:

a)'Must I marry the first guy my parents choose for me?' Hell no! Meet the whole bunch and then pick the one you like.

b)'What about love?' Well, haven't you had enough of the 'falling in and out of love' drama? This relationship is going to be a life-long commitment where you both grow to love each other.

Now isn't that really what you want anyway?