The Wisdom of a Modern Matrona
I often find myself in a peculiar position, straddling the line between joy and melancholy. Iāve become a sought-after womanāan unexpected role, yet one that has embraced me like an old friend. Like a Sibyl or a Matrona of ancient times, Iāve become a confidante, a source of wisdom for those around me. It seems that in this bustling world, where connections can sometimes feel superficial, many people turn to me for advice on how to navigate the complexities of life, particularly when it comes to finding happiness while being alone.
Recently, a young woman reached out to me, a friend of my neighborās daughter who attends Lovely Professional University (LPU). I had observed a stark transformation in her demeanor after her marriage; she had been radiant, yet there was a shadow that now lingered in her eyes. Recognizing the weight of her silence, I felt a deep sense of empathy and curiosity. After our initial encounter, she called me, her voice trembling with vulnerability, seeking solace and guidance.
Her name was Ananya, and as we spoke, it became evident that beneath her stunning exterior lay a heart burdened with despair. She was everything one could hope forāwell-behaved, dazzlingly beautiful, and embodying the qualities of a āgood girlā in a society increasingly populated by street-smart damsels. In our conversation, I discovered that despite the decades that separated us in age, we shared values and even social and financial statuses. Yet, her story unveiled a world far removed from the ideal I had envisioned for her.
Ananya recounted the details of her marriage, a union that had initially promised companionship and love. However, what followed was a painful reality that felt more like a prison than a partnership. Her husband, studying abroad, unleashed a barrage of abuse over the phone, his cruel words piercing through the miles that separated them. The echo of his contempt reverberated in her heart, making her question her self-worth.
But the torment didnāt stop there. Her in-laws, rather than offering the warmth of familial support, treated her as little more than a paid servant. Chores consumed her day and night, leaving her exhausted and devoid of any semblance of personal agency. They provided her only the most basic necessities, and even then, she felt like a beggar in her own home. Money was a constant point of contention; she had to ask for it, feeling snubbed and looked down upon for not bringing in enough dowry.
Listening to her, I could feel the weight of her struggles, her voice a fragile thread holding together the pieces of her dignity. I understood that my role was not just to offer advice, but to provide a safe haven where she could express her pain without judgment. I encouraged her to reclaim her narrative, to seek happiness not in the approval of others, but in her own sense of self-worth.
As we conversed, I realized that being a source of support for Ananya was not just a duty; it was a privilege. In a world that often dismisses the emotional struggles of women, offering a listening ear and empathetic words became a service to society. I reminded her that happiness, even when alone, could be found by nurturing her passions and surrounding herself with positivity.
Our conversation turned into a beacon of hope for Ananya, and for me, it reaffirmed my belief in the power of shared experiences and the importance of uplifting one another. As I reflected on her story, I felt a renewed sense of purpose, realizing that my role as a modern matronaāone who guides and supportsāwas both necessary and fulfilling in this ever-evolving society.
I asked her to seek support of Counselling and Happiness department of her university as well. Lovely Professional University embraces the motto āOrandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano,ā emphasizing the importance of mental health alongside physical well-being. In recognition of the global mental health crisis, LPU offers confidential and free professional counseling and psychological support to all students, faculty, and staff. The Department of Counseling & Happiness provides a variety of therapeutic services aimed at enhancing holistic well-being, while actively promoting positive mental health through awareness campaigns. The mission of the department is to support students in navigating lifeās transitions, offering timely assistance to those experiencing psychological distress, fostering self-awareness, personal responsibility, and lifelong learning skills, and ultimately helping them thrive academically and personally.