I have been living in Singapore for almost three years now. The question that many ladies in my situation often deal with is:

Where to go on the weekend?

Okay that’s wrong English. I know that. But that’s often what we think: a literal download of our thoughts, if I may say so.

The next question, or should I say the first question, you might ask is:

What do I mean by ladies in my position?

There you got me. There might not be many readers (assuming I have some) who are in my position. 30+ – no kids, just a workaholic husband. Most Indian women would at least have one kid, if not two. Or some, if they are lucky, are not married at all. The spectrum is wide, however, the basic question that bothers us is the same:

Where do we go during the weekend?

By now, I have seen most of the tourist spots of Singapore. Several times in fact. I am not much of a theatre person, nor a movie buff. And let’s face it, everything is expensive in Singapore. Or in any place in the world, depending on an individual’s chosen lifestyle.

But let’s leave the financial aspect aside. We cannot very well discuss it, can we? 😛

So, it comes down to what one would really like to do. Many would argue, that I have it wrong, as I don’t have kids. It is always about entertaining them. Isn’t it?

I thought so too. But a close friend proved me wrong.

Her husband works in an MNC, the usual long hours and often dreary workload. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, taking care of her three-year-old son. Monday to Friday, her life revolves around the child and her home. But during the weekends her husband takes full responsibility of the kid, urging her to enjoy her time as she wished.

Yes, that’s right. Your eyesight hasn’t worsened. You read it correctly.  As she wished.

She could go out shopping, or to the spa, or for a walk or a friends’ date. Or simply laze around in the house!

However, before we applaud the husband, which I am sure we must, since he does break the mould of a stereotype Indian male, I would like to point out that my friend is also very clear about her goals and her needs. Together the couple work as a team, each fulfilling an indispensable role, that creates the magic of a loving household.

This brings me back to the question (from which I strayed on purpose 😛 ) with a slightly different twist to it:

Where to go, or in other words, what to do, during the weekend?

If you ask me, I am just happy if I am given a choice. I’d love to read, or embroider or paint, or sleep the whole afternoon. If I feel adventurous, I would love to go shopping. I’d also spend considerable time with my husband working on my latest project and / or discussing the storyline of my next book. And as often is the case, experiment with new dishes for our dinner guests.

What I really want to say, is that there are simple questions that plague us repeatedly.

But instead of thinking about it from a family’s perspective, like I’m sure all married women constantly do, just give yourself the freedom (even if it is a rare occasion) to go somewhere that gives you pleasure. No restrictions. No timetables. No responsibilities.

I promise you, you will rediscover yourself.

And consequently, love yourself and the family much more!

Et voilà! The answer to the nagging question becomes very easy.

Where to go? What to do?

The heart desires…

Art, craft, sport, travel, leisure… the entire world is your playground!

Follow your whims, fulfill your dreams!

Make your next weekend count!

Happy Self-Exploring!