Why is it that 'settling down' is often seen as a woman's primary goal, while men are expected to 'conquer' before they settle?

"Why is it that 'settling down' is often seen as a woman's primary goal, while men are expected to 'conquer' before they settle?" In Indian society, the narrative around marriage and relationships often feels like a race against time for women. From aunties asking about marriage plans at family gatherings to societal pressure about age limits, it's a constant reminder. Meanwhile, men seem to have a different timeline, often encouraged to build careers and gain experience before settling down. Here's what makes this a point of discussion: • The Double Standard: The pressure to marry young and be 'settled' falls disproportionately on women. This can lead to hasty decisions or feelings of inadequacy if they haven't found a partner by a certain age. • Career vs. Marriage: For men, career ambition is often celebrated and seen as a prerequisite for a good marriage. For women, while career is important, it's frequently viewed as secondary to finding a suitable husband. • Societal Expectations: This deeply ingrained societal expectation shapes how we view success for both genders, often pigeonholing women into domestic roles and men into provider roles, regardless of individual aspirations. • Personal Fulfillment: Does this societal pressure prevent women from exploring their full potential or pursuing personal goals before or instead of marriage? What are your thoughts on this societal expectation? Are we still living by these old rules, or is this changing?