Worried About Finding a Spouse Who Shares My Values – Need Some Honest Advice
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, dear brothers and sisters, I'm a 22-year-old Muslim man living in Melbourne, away from my family, and I wanted to open up about something that's been on my heart for a while. Maybe some of you have experienced this too, and I’d appreciate your thoughts or advice. I try my best to keep Islam at the center of my life: praying regularly, avoiding major sins, and striving to be a good Muslim in a world that often makes it hard. I'm far from perfect-I’ve made mistakes, and while I haven’t been physically intimate (Alhamdulillah, I’m still a virgin), I did have a past relationship that strayed from the right path. I’ve sincerely repented and worked hard to improve myself. What worries me deeply is whether I’ll ever find a wife who shares similar values. I’m not expecting anyone to be perfect, but I hope to meet someone who balances piety and understanding-someone who values purity as I do, and who’s also compassionate about the challenges we face as humans in this dunya. Sometimes it feels like the world is moving away from the ideals of modesty, virginity, and faithfulness, and hearing certain stories makes me anxious. What if I never meet someone who truly understands why I chose to wait and who has made the same choice for herself? I don’t want to judge anyone’s past or journey; I know we all have our stories. I just wish there was a sister out there whose path is similar to mine. Is that too much to hope for? Am I being unrealistic in today’s times? If any of you have felt this way or found peace with these fears, please share your experience with me. It would mean a lot to know I’m not alone. Jazakum Allahu khairan for listening.