I've read this one before and let me tell 2nd time around was even better. I'm happy the s...

I always feel that the "parental characters" who push arranged marriages in manga (and real life) are the epitome of selfish. They want to choose a path for another human being without asking or considering their thoughts and feelings on the situation. They always claim it is so they don't have to worry for the person being married off. Which, to me, screams selfish. I'd love to not have to worry about my sons, but robbing them of choice would damage our relationship, and me, far more than a bit of worry ever would. When these parents are dead, burned and buried, the person being married off has to live with the choices that were made for them. The parents aren't worrying anymore, they're dead. Now the kid has to bear the burden of their selfishness. I can honestly say that I'd lose my shit and go homicidal if a relative did this to me. I won't even tolerate a blind date type of situation. Want me to meet someone? We can all go out to dinner or drinks as friends. If I'm interested, I'll take it from there.

We can't really control the thoughts, feelings and actions of others. We can try with coercion, manipulation, cajoling and threats, but in the end, the decision still lies with the other person. The only person we can truly and completely control is ourselves. You can't control the actions of others, but you can control your reactions to them. You can't control what others say, but you can control how you reply. So, if you can't control yourself, you can't control anything. This is also my view on a person's choices. If others choose your life for you, how is that a life you can call your own? Now, if a young person wants their parents to help them find a life partner, good on them. That is the child's choice. Getting advice and being told what to do are vastly different.

Sorry, I totally went off on a rant, didn't I? Can you tell I hate the "omiai" trope? LOL

I agree with everything you said