Every time my parents bring up my marriage, I feel overwhelmed
Assalamu alaikum, everyone. I don’t know if anyone else goes through this, but whenever my parents start talking about getting me married-showing me profiles, mentioning guys-I just feel this heavy sadness. I end up crying, feeling shaky, and my anxiety goes through the roof. It’s like I shut down completely. I’ve seen people get excited when their families discuss marriage plans, but for me it’s the total opposite, and I honestly don’t get why. I’m in my mid-20s and I do want to get married one day, but right now I don’t feel ready. Not even close. Last year my family brought a few proposals, and I turned them down, saying I needed more time. Now a whole year has gone by, and they’re back at it again. This time they seem really serious. I just don’t know what to do or what to tell them. After thinking a lot, a couple of months ago I realized two things that really scare me. First, my career isn’t stable yet, and I can’t imagine giving up having a job. Second, the idea of a fully arranged marriage honestly terrifies me. If I had gotten to know someone naturally and we chose each other, I wouldn’t feel this panic. But marrying someone I know nothing about… that thought just shakes me up. I don’t know if there’s more deep down, but those seem to be my main worries. Just now I overheard my father talking to someone about a proposal for me, and I can’t even put my feelings into words. I’m just scared, anxious, stressed, and crying. Please tell me how to deal with this. And what does Islam say about it?