I visited my sister in law last night. She is a decade younger than my brother and has been staying at home ever since she got married, raising her child. This seemed to be the dream of many young Shanghainese nowadays. Most average people's salaries are low. She was just a secretary and had not the rosiest career track ahead of her, and marrying up seemed to be the best alternative. She was mostly a very straight-forward girl and happy. I didn't have problem talking to her in the past.
She did not seem that happy this time however, and said her husband often has dinners outside. I don't think my brother is the cheating type but she said that they're probably dates. She is turning from a girl to a complaining housewife.
It is the life of many women in China and around the world. My mother is such a case. She gave her all to the family and I am not sure how much I or anyone else really appreciated her. She certainly has no independence even in China. I'd like to play and have a role in the world. I like to know and understand and participate, and not retire in the comfort and too-simple life of homely chores.
Two more days in Shanghai. I definitely had a great time. There were moments of loneliness, but I have to say that they were definitely few and far in between. Thinking back to my life in Hong Kong, I had rather few real friends. People come and share moments of good togetherness but they are not long-lasting. They can disappear just as easily as they come. For some reason, in the end of the day, so many of my friends in Hong Kong end up being girls and yet almost all my friends here are guys. They may be married, but they are still a caring group. It has its charm and efficiency, but I think Shanghai is definitely happening.
Back to returning to some purchased shoes (too small for my feet, but I had to learn about the complex world of women's shoe size around the world). and dinner with my friend.
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