It is.

1. Yes. The atmosphere is great. Very relaxed. 2. Probably kept going to school and go to university and then marry. Lots of women are in university in Iran but not a lot actually end up working cause marriage and kids. 3. No. As if said it’s a gamble and not willing to take up on it. 4. I could always say no. I said in another comment but the marriage wasn’t actually consummated immediately cause I didn’t feel comfortable and I wasn’t pushed.

Not super common but not that uncommon either.

More Western.

He was recently widowed and his late wife was infertile. He was friends with my father who considered him a good man with lots of financial possibilities for a good life. So with everything that happened to him my father told him he can marry me if he wants. I received (through my parents) a dowry of $200k USD; my parents deemed it a safety net.

Definitely less. No & I have no interest in politics.

Getting married young? No. Have a good life? Probably. It’s basically a gamble and depends completely on the man and his motives.

16, 18, 20.

Avocado toast.

I am. I first met him when the marriage was proposed / set. Then until the meeting we got to know each other a bit - but never alone, there always had to be someone around - not allowed for us to be alone together until we were married. I liked that he was a good listener and showed interest in whatever I was talking about. The wedding night was the first time we were alone together. It was really weird for me, like before that no boys allowed now suddenly sleeping next to a man in bed? Too huge of a transition. As a matter of fact we didn’t consummate until a while after as I didn’t feel comfortable and he didn’t push or pressure me.

No. Plus even traditionally back in Iran boys don’t get “married off” the same way girls do. They get married when they’re older as they need to be well established to provide for the family first.

Not really, no. I had already travelled a lot by then & my husband has always been a chill man. I love Ireland.

Wanted our kids to have as many opportunities in life as possible - West was the best fit.

22 years older. 3 sons.

When I got married? I couldn’t have loved him. I didn’t know him much. I fell in love with him after because he treated me well and took great care of me. Interesting question. The concept of personal agency wasn’t even a thing in my mind at the time. When my parents told me that my marriage has been set, I just thought parents know best and it’s something I have to do. My mind didn’t even think it was my place to have a say. So not really - because to me that was not a thing to begin with.

Good.