"Jai Uh-oh!"

It used to be that an Indian guy, living in America, holding a decent job, could hop a flight from JFK to Mumbai and return a few days later having sealed the deal for a blushing bride-to-be. "Jai Ho!" Of course, he'd have to first pass her parents' rigorous vetting process:

1. What do you do for a living?
2. How much money do you make? Gross? Net?
3. What's your sign?

But, if you're a single Indian male living in America right now, you're in trouble. Today's WSJ shows how difficult arranging a marriage has gotten since the confidence of eligible brides (and their parents) living in India has been rocked by the U.S. economic meltdown. Well-educated, well-bred men making lots of money are being shot down at an alarming rate -- "Jai Uh-Oh!" What up single ladies?

They're skittish: What if he loses his job?
They're increasingly independent: What if I can't find a job?
They don't want to scrub their own toilets: What if I have to do that dirty job?

Seriously. As Indian wages rise, the young women there look down upon Americans who have to polish their own porcelain. Well, damn girlfriends. Not everyone in America scrubs their own loo. Some of us can afford to outsource that, too.

I can only sympathize with the men to a point. Who flies to another country and selects a soul mate after playing 20 questions and comparing horoscopes? Sure it worked for my parents, but it's definitely not for everyone -- or for anyone, according to my Mom's friends. Growing up, I was cornered by "the Aunties" at my Mom's dinner parties. They begged me in hushed voices, "Don't make the same mistake I did. Marry for love. Keep your career. RUN!! Now, here. Eat some more. You're too skinny. No one will marry you unless you look healthy!"

The WSJ article is an interesting one. Give it a read if you have time:
Ineligible Bachelors: Indian Men Living in the U.S. Strike Out