Thoughts.com Blogs - Manicure and a Marriage

I had the strangest conversation today that I think I’ve ever had…

I was getting my nails done, and was talking with my manicurist. He and his family run the shop and are from Vietnam. My Mother has gone there for 13 years, my sister-in-law for 7 years, and I have for 3 years, so they know pretty much our whole family and have met all of us at one time or another.

My parents were in town for Son’s graduation last week, and Joe, my manicurist was saying how nice it was to see my Mom; since they have moved she doesn’t get there very often. I told him about my Son graduating with his BA degree and explained that that was why they were in town.
So we talk a little more, nothing significant, just chitchat, and then he says he wants to ask me a question, but doesn’t want me to get mad at him…. I’m wondering what he could ask me that might make me mad??? So I prompt him to go ahead, and he asks me how I feel about interracial marriages…how I would feel for instance if my son married someone Asian. I tell him that it makes no difference to me; if they are happy, and she’s a good person then I am fine with whomever he chooses to marry.

Then he starts to tell me about his niece in Vietnam that is considering a marriage to a man that lives in Korea. I can tell he has an issue here…he continues to say that the family is against this because they feel there are many problems in Korea; they are concerned that they will send her there and she will become a slave…who knows what can happen! I am listening as he goes on…keep in mind that his English is not the best…I am having difficulties understanding some of what he’s saying, but am trying to be sympathetic. I understand his concerns…but am still trying to make some kind of connection here…I am naive at times!

About half way through this conversation it suddenly occurs to me…. this is not just a general conversation; he is telling me that his niece is hard working, educated, and will learn English fast…that she is respectful, that they like our family, and that she could be here in about a year…they will have a picture of her the next time I come! Shit…I’m trying not to freak out here…. he is acting as her emissary and asking me as the mother of my Son for a marriage arrangement! His wife has now joined the conversation and is doing the hard sell to me!

OMG…. I am trying hard not to pull my hand back as he’s doing my nails still; I don’t want to shake and agree to anything here! I’m wondering if I somehow just agreed to my Son’s marriage without realizing it!!! They are dead serious about this…I am thinking I need to get out of there before anything else is said…I am rushing out the door as soon as he’s done…they are promising pictures and saying she doesn’t need one in return; she will be happy to have him as her husband…they want me to talk to my Son right away to make sure that he agrees with this!

I get in my car with a huge sigh of relief! I still am not sure if I agreed to anything…lmao…I hope not!
All I can think is that he just graduated last Friday…he’s so not ready for marriage…but they say it will take a year for her to get here…lol…I am laughing now…
So I had my manicure and I arranged my Son’s marriage in just a short time today; not bad for a days work!

I'll let you know when the wedding is... :)