The ‘M’ Word Part 9 : Trophy Wives

The word trophy wife for a lay person like me sounds nothing but something so very high society typish. I mean where else do find this word sticking out; filmy gossip columns, fashion & lifestyle magazines, Page 3 and the likes. For us middle class junta, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this word has no significance, max to max it could end up as a decent source of pottytainment (toilet reading material) and that’s about it.

But a recent family incident made me wonder whether trophy wives only exist with the high-income clan or are they in fact a common breed among us types, the middle class folks.

Well you decide….

Sneha, family friend’s daughter. 28 years old, MBA pass and works for a well-known HR firm. Hails from a well-respected joint family. Personality wise; simple, well mannered and very down to Earth. All in all a perfect wife material (silly words, I know but drives home the point in a single shot).

Couple of days ago she was introduced to Boy A and his family via the arranged marriage route. Boy A like Sneha hails from a well-educated and respected family. The boy completed his maters from an American university, worked in the US for couple of years and now is back in India to help his family with the medical-business.

On the surface things looked like as if it were a match made in heaven – lekin – there was one issue.

Boy A had asked Sneha if she intended to work after marriage. To this her reply was ‘No’ however she also added that if ever in the future she did want to pursue a profession, the option should be open to her.

And no matter how ridiculous it may sound but for this reason alone, Sneha was rejected by Boy A and family. The explanation given was…if only Sneha agreed to no job policy after becoming Mrs. A would the deal take off. Thankfully some sense prevailed and Sneha’s family placed preference with their daughter’s decision (though they were ticked with their daughter’s blunt reply) and not the so-called suitable rishta.

Now to a certain extent I can accept the boy’s family not wanting a working daughter-in-law, that’s their choice and so be it. However what I find somewhat difficult to digest – is – the family’s inclination to find their prized possession an MBA wife? This criteria was apparently highlighted in Boy A’s bio data.

Logically speaking, if you have pre-decided that you only want an in-house daughter in-law then why the heck does her qualification matter. Obviously not an illiterate but then what’s wrong with a graduate?

The only explanation that pops up in the head is of a trophy wife. Meaning; finding a daughter in-law whose image gels well with the family profile, whose qualification sounds good to the ears when mentioned to relatives, friends & society at large and whose homeliness is displayed best with her sitting at home.

Ps – Two high profile weddings coming up in our housing block. With these marriages, I officially become the oldest spinster in the vicinity. Needless to say mum’s BP is falling off the bridge. Me, well I am simply ecstatic for topping the list. And yes, we wish the couples the very best.