The pandemic has clearly put a gag order on our social life. Every time we step out, we are automatically distancing ourselves from the outside world. A life without masks, social distancing, sanitizing hands seems unthinkable now. Where does that leave our dating life? Finding and meeting potential partners for life? More importantly, how did Malayalees find their life partners amidst covid restrictions?
Apparently, there were a lot of people who found partners and got married during these adverse times. They were able to find someone who matched their criteria and wavelength. What more? They have even started living together, just like the way they wished. If you are wondering how it all became a reality, then M4 Marry is the answer to that. In 2021, they flouted all the cliched matchmaking rules and met each other and their families online. And more such fascinating matrimonial tales.
Overdressed boys, please step back
Remember the pristine Unni in Nadirshah’s 2014 film ‘Amar Akbar Antony,’ who even wears designer wear while visiting his ailing father in the hospital? Looks like guys wearing such designer wears are out of the race in the M4 Marry matrimonial site. The majority were more inclined towards profiles who wore casual outfits and also shared full information about themselves. The ones who wore designer wear and didn’t really give out all information about themselves were overlooked. But those profiles who posed with their families found more takers.
What’s up in the evening?
Interestingly most of them came searching for partners during the lockdown, work from home period (April-May-June period). They are mostly searching on Sundays, between 5 pm to 9 pm. Remember the pre-covid times? Everyone was busy. Either the children will be outside when the parents are home, or they will come home at odd hours. So there was hardly any time to discuss or search profiles with such precision. But lockdown threw everyone together at home. There was enough free time too. That’s why they particularly searched the matrimonial site during the April-May-June period. Even before lockdown M4 Marry matrimonial site was always busy with matrimonial inquiries. It’s just that lockdown slightly speeded up the process. No one who registered at the M4Marry matrimonial site will be left disappointed for sure.
Yes and no
In 2021 through the M4Marry virtual family meet, they were able to meet and understand each other virtually. Those who were based abroad too were able to meet and communicate their dreams and wishes through video calls and virtual family meets. M4 Marry also provided the service of a virtual astrologer as well. That helped in finding the perfect marriage date and making sure their horoscopes matched during the lockdown. They were also able to make a lot of wedding arrangements virtually as well as to conduct the wedding keeping an eye on covid protocols.
An alliance for a lifetime
Last year was also a reminder that marriages are for a lifetime. It was no longer required to speed up the marriage proceedings, which included hurried match-making, marriage, and then flying back to their place of work before the vacations got over. Most of the customers took M4 Marry’s 1-year package last year. NRK’s, businessmen, and those who belong to the economically forward class preferred M4 Marry’s active plus package. Those who take that package have the added advantage of choosing their partners through a special customer care service. During the covid time, most parents and professionals subscribed for this active plus package. The search pages at M4 Marry reflected a younger generation who believed that marriage is a lifelong commitment and that the process of finding your perfect match requires time and effort. The highlight of 2021 was the trend of taking the one-year package that could highlight the profile and taking the time to choose your partner for life. What were the features that Malayalees were looking for in their partners in 2021? How did they figure out their partner’s age, educational qualifications, job, and other preferences?
Marriageable age
Today’s youth is all for change if they believe it will be for the good. When everyone was debating over making 21 as the marriageable age, youngsters were rather keen on finding a partner who was above 21 years old. Most of the marriage proposals were for girls between the ages of 23 and 28. At the same time, boys can take heart in the fact that most girls preferred grooms who were between the ages of 27 and 31. This would have been a relief for boys who lament that 30 is the cut-off age for boys in the marriage market. Another positive sign is that age isn’t really seen as a criterion for marriage anymore. There are parents who tell those who remind them about their daughter's marriage that they would rather wait till she gets a job. Therefore, a majority of those who register prefer to go according to their children’s tastes and interests. Marrying only when you are ready is the golden rule now.
Searching for someone who thinks like you
Last year’s M4 Marry search results clearly showed that when it comes to education, there is no compromise for youngsters. Boys and girls are looking for partners who can balance career and family life together. Those who work in the same field are well aware that they will have enough moral support to battle deadlines and target pressures. There are those who are very keen on looking for partners from the IT field. There are also those who are not keen on the IT field as well. There are IT professionals looking out for doctors as partners. More than anything else they are looking for someone with the same wavelength and understanding. Profiles of software engineers and architects top the list of most visited.
Sack of dreams
The 2021 Matchmaking Trend reveals that most of them are looking to fulfill their career dreams through marriage. There are those who dream of pursuing their favourite careers in their favourite places with their desired partners after marriage. If the girl is a nurse, the immediate thought would be a career abroad for both of them. The younger generation not only wants a secure job for themselves but also for their partners. The most sought-after partners in 2021 are nurses, engineers, bank employees and computer professionals.
Overseas dreams
The matrimonial trend of 2021 indicates that the number of people who want to settle down in Kerala after marriage and those who want to go to the USA, UK, UAE, and Canada is almost the same. At a time when work from home is a legit option, most of them are equally keen on a life overseas and as well as in Kerala, according to search reports in M 4 Marry. Also, boys and girls dream of a great life if they get a chance to migrate abroad. This is something that other job seekers also pay attention to. There are a lot of young people who are averse to long-distance marriages.
Winning hearts through food
It is said that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But here both boys and girls are interested in knowing their partner's food choices. So a lot of search goes for that. Whether or not the partner knows cooking was a secondary question, they were more interested in knowing if they love food. Most of them apparently preferred Kerala, South Indian, North Indian, and Continental cuisines.
Thinking alike
There were a lot of youngsters who wanted like-minded partners. The new generation is aware that knowing about their partner's likes and dislikes can smooth the path of marriage. During the lockdown, many took this opportunity to understand their partners. Malayalees discovered whether their partner's tastes matched their own by inquiring about their interest in food, travelling, music, driving, and dance.
Cinema was crucial
Cinema was another crucial element that mattered for many people. The match-making trend says that movies in four languages are very popular among Malayalees. Many searched for their partner's favourite Malayalam, English, Tamil, and Hindi films in romance, family, comedy, and action genres. They also made sure to enquire about their favourites on OTT. People who watch web series and Korean movies often like to discuss with their potential partners regarding that.
Fit and fine
The 2021 Match Making Trend reports suggest that youngsters are more interested in recreational activities that are beneficial to both mental and physical health. Many showed interest in badminton, football, cricket, and swimming. Considering the concern over fitness in today’s times, that hardly seems surprising. Some expressed interest in going together for morning walks, gym, and so on. This is an ideal platform to discuss such interests openly.
Keywords
Some of the most frequently searched keywords, were Nurse, USA, Doctor, and Canada. Those who studied at IITs, IIMs, and NITs were also preferred. Some were particular about looking for the special subjects they studied, those who work in specific places, and the institutions where they worked. There are some who insist on doing MBA after BTech if you are an IT professional. Such important findings and the freedom to ask all your doubts make M4Marry the perfect matrimonial site to find your partner for life.
