Men.
Well, Jaime thinks that it all burns down to one simple theory, men are egoistic, greedy, dysfunctional and pretty much a bunch of debauchees. These are qualities that turns out to hurt the most. How did she reach such a conclusion at only 25 years of age you may ask. See, coming from cultured tradiational Asian family background, it wasn't always easy being a girl, woman, lady, female or whatever the opposite sex of a male is called for that matters. All Jaime learned since she sucessfully pushed herself out of her mother's vagina in the wee afternoon of February 1993 was things like "sit down like a girl", "don't talk back" , "a girl should't show her temper" "dress like a decent girl" and her ultimate statement that she ever so dearly despises and couldn't understand till now is "don't whistle". Now, Jaime discerns that it is considered bad luck whistling at night in some cultures, especially hers, given the superstitious beliefs but how does making sounds by blowing wind through your windpipe considered ungirly or un-ladylike? Isn't it more of a skill? In fact, in reality, some people make a living out of it! It's only extremely exhausting for Jaime having to explain how it's normal, happy gesture to whistle and there's no harm in it, to her parents, relatives and her traditional-minded family members as a whole. She could clearly picture her mother's anguished expression on her mind if she ever decides to retaliate the very existing customs and conservatives they firmly hold.
Another undeniable statement that every Asian family is much familiar of and also of which Jaime greatly detests is "A girl should be married off as early as possible". Given that it is scientifically proven that child-bearing might be difficult at a later age, it doesn't imply that a woman should turn down her aspirations and dreams towards an optimistic future that she would like to build for herself.
Marriage is very much a necessity in a culturally rich families like Jaime but the ultimate cliché question of "when are you getting married" seems to be a little exasperating at times. Arranged marriage is another sad story all together. See it's different to fall in love and marry someone than to marry someone and fall in love. Jaime couldn't perceive but wonder how one could accept tying the knot with someone you barely know, talked or met for that matters and then go on living under the same roof for the rest of their lifes. Sure, her parents done it before and so did the others in her family. In Jaime's vocabulary, it's just plain psychological torture basically. So, where does one turn to in times of despair? Sometimes, she wishes Darlene was her real blood born sister or at least a distant relative. The only thing that Jaime feels greatful for her parents was being in the same kindergarten as Darlene. They go way back, all through primary school and high school. Hallelujah to Darlene for keeping Jaime sane in such situations!
It's another distinct question all together when it comes to cooking though. In her house, it's as important for a lady to know how to cook as it is to know how to read. They surmise that when a woman is married off to a man, the very essential foundation to keeping a family together is through home cooked food. In Jaime's perspective, cooking is primarily a survival skill for an individual or for oneself and not just for maintaining a household. It is as important for a man to know how to cook than it is for a woman as it is in fact an expertise that displays dexterity and ability to take care of oneself. Additionally, it is the modern era of the 21st century where equality is thrived between men and women. So it isn't wrong or belittling for a man to cook for his wife after she comes home from work nor is it denigrating for a man to do the laundry or clean the house or looking after the children. For Jaime, a man who cooks and clean, is a man of principles and values.
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