If rules govern a romantic relationship, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are breaking them in style, says Divya Nair.
Photograph: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
The news of Priyanka Chopra's engagement to Nick Jonas has surprised some and shocked many.
But why should anyone be shocked?
Aren't the two mature, independent human beings entitled to a life together?
PeeCee and Nick, in fact, are giving us relationship goals.
Some lessons we learned from their whirlwind romance:
1. She's older... so what?
Priyanka celebrated her 36th birthday on July 18. Nick will turn 26 in September.
Their age difference (10 years) has been the biggest talking point on social media.
For all those calling her a cradle snatcher, it's not the first time we have seen a woman marrying someone younger than her.
Dr Anjali Mehta is 5 years older than Sachin Tendulkar.
Farah Khan is 8 years older than her husband Shirish Kunder.
We don't have a problem when the man is older than the woman (Did you hear any complaints when Shahid Kapoor married the much younger Mira Rajput?). Gender equality, anyone?
2. Caste, religion, nationality no bar
Priyanka and Nick have proved that when you are in love, your background doesn't matter.
The duo found love despite their different upbringing, cultures and values. Isn't that sweet?
Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar
3. She's more successful, and that's perfectly all right
While it may be difficult to measure success, it could be fair to say that Priyanka is a more popular star than Nick currently is.
Gone are the days when the man was the sole breadwinner of the house, was responsible for the family's financial security and generally considered superior.
In a modern relationship, it's not a cause for worry if the woman is financially stronger, successful and popular.
4. I love you... on social media too
When two public figures enter a relationship, they generally want to keep their emotions private.
There could be many reasons for it -- they fear their relationship will affect their career/fans; they feel they will be judged/criticised.
Sometimes, though, like Priyanka and Nick, you can throw all that into the wind and express your love on social media without fear.
Priyanka accompanied Nick to Brazil to attend his concert. She posted a video of Jonas singing and captioned it 'HIM' with a love-struck emoji.
Jonas posted a video of Priyanka having fun and captioned it 'HER' on Instagram.
Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar
5. Family love
It started with Priyanka attending Nick's cousin Rachel Tamburelli's wedding.
It followed with Priyanka taking Nick to attend Akash Ambani's engagement.
We also saw how happy and comfortable the duo was while meeting each others' families.
If there is any unwritten rule that couples shouldn't make public appearances with each others' families, these two are definitely breaking them.
6. It's okay to take your relationship forward at a rapid pace
The two made their first public appearance at the Met Gala in 2017.
Since then, we've seen their whirlwind pace of their romance.
While naysayers may want them to go slow, this couple is racing ahead.
7. When you propose, make it unforgettable
This lovey-dovey duo reinstates that fairy tales exist in real life too.
Nick created an amazingly romantic moment when he shut down a Tiffany store in New York on Priyanka's birthday to pop the all-important question, as reported by People magazine. And we are sure the ring must be special too.
We hope Priyanka and Nick continue surprising us with their off-the-beaten-track cuteness in the future as well.
