Marriage is a big deal in life. The type of marriage we choose reflects the life we want. In real life, everyone has their own considerations when facing marriage.

Before marriage, conflicts can arise due to dowry issues. But for the groom, the dowry is just a gesture of respect to the bride. It’s not about the amount, but the symbolism.

Zhang Li and Wang Peng met through friends after graduating. They fell in love quickly due to their similar ages. As time passed, they found each other reliable. They decided to marry in their third year of dating, which their parents supported.

However, a small incident before the wedding tested their relationship. Zhang Li’s parents, thinking she was their only daughter, demanded $12,000 and a house as dowry. The groom’s parents found this unreasonable and unnecessary.

To Zhang Li’s parents, this was a common request. They saw it as their minimum standard. The groom’s parents found it difficult to accept, feeling pressured.

The issue of dowry created a deadlock between the families. Wang Peng then shocked Zhang Li by saying, “We don’t need dowry or a bridal home. It’s not our custom. Whether you marry or not is up to you.”

This hurt Zhang Li deeply. Despite feeling wronged, she didn’t want to give up on their three-year relationship.

A week later, Zhang Li told Wang Peng, “I don’t need a bridal home or dowry. I have one condition: you marry into my family. Since we’re both only children, if you think I’m gaining an advantage, you can marry into my family instead.”

This angered Wang Peng, who bluntly refused, “Are you crazy? I’m the only son in my family. I can’t marry into yours. Let’s just end this marriage.”

Disheartened, Zhang Li called off the wedding. In real life, many face similar situations. It tests love. True love is when someone values you over money.

Dowry is about respect for the bride

Marrying off a daughter isn’t the same as selling her. In real life, as long as two people love each other, elders shouldn’t complicate things. The need for dowry depends on the families’ attitudes. Dowry isn’t about the amount but a gesture of respect from the groom to the bride. The bride’s parents raised her with effort; hence, the groom should respect and understand this.

Breaking up over dowry isn’t regrettable

Separating before marriage isn’t always regrettable. Discussing money may seem materialistic, but in reality, it’s essential. How one treats you in such discussions reveals their true feelings. If a man can’t even show basic respect, it means he doesn’t truly love you. Love should be pure and beautiful. While love can’t be measured with material things, a man who respects you even in practical matters truly loves you.

Roland once said, “We don’t need to force love, but we must take responsibility for marriage.” This reminds us to approach love with reason. Love is not fearful, but pretending to love when one doesn’t is. Love should be cherished when found with the right person, without waiting for regrets to set in after losing it.