With regards to the article 'You're so vain you probably think this article is about you'.

It's what you would expect from a narrow minded individual.

Did I go to university? Yes. Did I complete my degree in combined? - yes. Am I currently in a profession? Yes. Am I under the age of 25? - yes. Am I asian - yes, and am I married- NO.

I am the future mother to our new kids on the block, fortunately or unfortunately for them, but it will happen one day, and the later it happens the better.

I like so many other Asian girls have fought hard and had it tough in comaparison to our male counterparts to achieve some sort of success in life.

We have had to balance our lives with the traditional roles of women to please both sides, from shalwaar kameez in the house to jeans, and then to suits in the real world. The least we expect from the Asian males is respect, and encouragement. BUT NO, they won't do that. We are now seen as a threat to them.

They want us in the house doing what their lovely mothers have been doing, so they can go out to play. GET REAL BOYS!

Our families don't encourage us. They do not support us, nor are they as proud of us as they are with our male counterparts.

A male adopted into the niche of society is well educated. If he can hold a conversation about current affairs he is branded intellectual and a son to be proud of', a very good 'rishta' even if he is a minger.

But an equivalent female, who can easily converse with a Simon or Smith is stigmatised and labelled a 'loafer' or awara and 'not good enough for our sons.' She is seen as too Westernised, and with little family values', not a suitable daughter-in-law. No wonder then she is still single.

Could our Asian boys cope if they were put into our shoes, and had to face all the pressures we do. I THINK NOT!

Regarding marriage, we get too old to be a marriage material if we are still single day past the age of 21. But what I can't comprehend is who we are actually suppose to be marrying. Where are all the good men?

Why should we stay at home while the west side boys meet the east side boys on the corners of Whalley Range and Wilmslow Road.

We won't allow the men to dictate to us and we frankly do not care if they go back home to get married.

You may not think we are as clever as you, but it may just be that we are smarter, more intellectual, and wiser than you.

We really are going to be the mothers to the future kids, and we sure are aware of what's around!

M Bano

Via e-mail