My aunt now owns a house, land, and assets worth as much as VND6 billion ($236,000). Illustration photo by Pixabay
My aunt, 60, owns assets worth VND6 billion (US$235,900) but she is still single because she spent decades hung up on her first love.
When she was young, my aunt had a beautiful first love while studying at a university specializing in teacher education. As she was about to graduate, she brought her boyfriend home to meet her father. Unfortunately, her father was very traditional and did not approve of their relationship as he wanted her to a man from a nearby family. No one in our family dared to stand up for her.
The shock from that experience caused my aunt to fall into depression. After her father passed away, our family encouraged her to reconnect with her old boyfriend, but by the time she was ready to do so, he had already married someone else.
The emotional scars my aunt suffered led her to decide to live alone for the rest of her life. Instead of teaching, my aunt stayed home and started a business, which eventually turned into a large vegetable wholesaler. My aunt now owns a house, land, and assets worth as much as VND6 billion.
Anyone looking at her would see a strong and independent woman, but only those close to her know how much she has been through. When we advised her to slow down, telling her that building wealth is meaningless if she does not enjoy life or have anyone to inherit it, she only smiled sadly. She said that busying herself with work keeps her mind at peace as when she is idle, she often thinks about the past and feels unhappy.
Looking at my aunt’s story, I think of how today’s youth are often criticized for loving and living hastily. But I feel like that is better as they know when to let go and move on.
Holding on to a love that never came to fruition and trapping oneself for the sake of fidelity only end up hurting oneself. Love should bring happiness, not a lifetime of emotional baggage.
The story of a woman waiting for decades to reunite with her first love might move many people, but others cannot help but wonder: Is it really worth it?
*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match Read’ viewpoints.
Comments are closed.