Step One-hundred and thirty-two

Less than one week from departure. Almost all details in place and excitement begins, only to be thwarted by conservative, over-bearing know it alls who think I cannot do this. Do they think I don't know I'm going somewhere completely different? Somewhere with different cultures and values. Do I reverse 6 years of independence and self reliance? Do they think I am not capable of adapting myself and changing plans based on the environment. Regardless I will take their criticisms and worries and not let it bother me. However, I don't like the idea of people losing years off their lives worrying about me, but all I can do is prove them wrong I suppose. Being defensive wont change what people have thought and believed since before my birth. "thankyou for your concern", "yes, I see, people will think I'm a whore and wont want me to marry into their family, I will take that into account"...great. just great.