First off, let me tell you that I agree with you in a number of ways. I do feel that there are many ideas that have been set in place due to institutionalization and it is hard living in a world trying trying to find your own sense of identity and ‘principle’ amongst common practices, group think, the media or any type of mainstream idea that is held against you as a woman. However, I think no matter what the issue is, people have the ability to change it or at least stand up to as individuals. I’m sure you are not alone in how you feel. Do what you feel is right. I’m sure you will find more women who agree with you and have been to scared to challenge what society deems is appropriate. Sometimes change comes one person at a time. And as far as the comment about the woman not being married past 40 due to being a feminist, let me just note that their are different types of feminists-many of which are called so because they believe that many women, all over the world, have been plagued by oppression, sexism, and societal norms that tell them who they should be- as as you have clearly pointed out through your post-society plays a huge role in negatively influencing women’s decisions. So if in fact you feel that way, maybe you are a feminist. (Just wanted to clear up a little info to take the stigma away from the term ‘feminists”. But anyway, I just wanted to reply to your post. I really enjoyed reading Ekene’s article and I hope my words were helpful and interpreted as considerate for the human experience. This article shows how relationships affect all people-not just women.