05/11/2025
How Girls and Their Families Choose the Ideal Groom — Then and Now
Let’s discuss how girls and their families have evolved in what they seek in a groom — from the 1950s to today. The expectations have changed drastically with time, education, and lifestyle.
1. Groom Preferences in the 1950s
In the 1950s, families of girls generally expected:
1. The boy should be educated (at least basically educated).
2. He should have his own house.
3. He should have a job or business to support the family.
Marriage arrangements were usually made:
Through relatives, family connections, or friends By checking family background, lineage, religion, caste, and gotra (clan) Within the same community and traditions.
2. Changing Expectations in the 1980s
By the 1980s, new conditions were added:
1. The groom must be well-educated.
2. He should have a stable business or job.
3. He should not have any bad habits or addictions.
4. He should own his house.
Families still preferred matches through known social and family circles, but the importance of the boy’s personal habits and character became more prominent.
3. Modern-Day (Present Generation) Expectations
Today’s generation of girls — especially those aged around 27–28 years — have a more defined and selective list of expectations when looking for a life partner.
A. For Non-Working (Homely) Girls
1. The boy should be equally or more educated than the girl.
2. He should be smart and good-looking.
3. He must have no bad habits or addictions.
4. His status and income should be higher than the girl’s family.
5. He should be financially strong and have ample savings.
6. He should own land or property.
7. He should have his own vehicle.
These families generally look for financial security, stability, and social respect.
B. For Working Girls
1. The boy’s salary/package should be higher than the girl’s.
2. He should be working in the same city or state as the girl.
3. He should be good-looking and well-mannered.
4. He must be free from addictions or bad habits.
5. The boy should be broad-minded, allowing the girl freedom and independence.
6. He should be supportive of her job or career.
7. The family should not expect the girl to handle household chores along with her job.
8. The boy should enjoy travel, outings, and social life, as many working women want an active, balanced lifestyle.
9. The girl should have the freedom to manage her own earnings — whether she chooses to contribute to the husband’s family or not should be her decision.
Conclusion:
From the 1950s to today, the concept of an “ideal groom” has evolved from security and family values to status, compatibility, and personal freedom. Modern girls and their families now look for partners who can offer equality, understanding, and emotional as well as financial balance in marriage.
