its culture, i know many people in the US who are in their late 20's early 30's and are desi and marriage is not their top priority list, where as people generally in pakistan/india... that's very high on their priority list.
I think its because from day 1 the emphasis on girls in pakistan/india is placed on getting married.. where as in the us its more emphasized to get an education, job, establish urself.
it depends, i used to be a total prude in high school where i saw even dating as a major no no. did everything very carefully.
but now that i've been through certain traumatic experiences that have opened my eyes a bit, i think only companionship and love/caring/respect is what many seek. as long as the two people are happy and are committed to each other for the long run. plus is sex really that important, you hear of so many sexless marriages or love less marriages. that just seems like torture.
as conservative as my parents are, and as hurt as they might feel they know what i've been through and if i don't see marriage as something that's right for me, i know whatever decision i make they'll support me in the future.
who knew i would go from one extreme way of thinking(so very very conservative)to this....now