Am I(28m) asking too much?
I have been getting some pressure from my folks about my requirements. I have a masters degree, work as a senior software professional, and I am at a decent stage of my career. Havent dated any one since 2022. Came to the US in 2022, focused on studies, I did not like anyone and was not really into seeking relationships during the degree, more over all people I had made friends with were married so there wasn't a scope of "friends to dating pipeline". I graduated in Dec, 2024. After that started working... Still I haven't dated any one or had the urge to pursue some one... I am checked out of relationships of sorts. Also, at this age most people I interact with are committed/married etc.
My parents are asking me if I am dating anyone, or have my ideal person in mind. So I told them my requirements:
Should be educated on par or above my qualifications.
Should ideally be in the US. But I am not particulary hung on this.
Should be working, I am open to most professions, but they should be doing well in their profession. If she's a professional then maybe making 12-15 lpa in India. If in the US, should be making 60,000, basic filter.
I do not want a person who is expecting to become a home maker, I want some one who has a little hustle in them, iykwim.
Now my parents are particulary stuck at finding the match in our niche "Brahmin" caste. Constantly complaining to me that my filters are too restrictive and they cant find a girl like this... I told them, why are you stuck on caste, isn't finding a good match the priority, but they wont budge on caste (I am open to all castes). My parents are sweet and very open minded, for eg they hate dowry, and most traditional views, but they are stuck on caste, and I am stuck on my 4 basic requirements.
I am getting a little annoyed and in hindsight feel I should not have let myself loose the social touch. I should have been open to dating and finding someone, in these 4 years. I try to go out, but I cant relate to a lot of folks, as I dont drink, dont smoke, dont take any kind of substances, on top of being a (strict)vegetarian...
What do you guys think I should tell my parents and try to open them up to different castes,(my intention is it boradens the candidate pool), you are a frog in the river compared to a well.