last night, as usual, i took a cab home from aud's place. the driver was middle aged and looked to be of staunch muslim background, with the beard, prayer cap and muslim hymns playing from his phone. i expected the ride to be pretty quiet, us being of such diverse backgrounds. but surprisingly, he was friendly, chatty and spoke well.

me: uncle, just started work?
uncle: no la. i usually don't work on weekends. but today i wanted the car to send my family around. now i'm just making a few extra rounds to maximise the rent before going home to rest already. so you working tomorrow?
me: haven't started work yet. will start in august. ---usual talk about economy and jobs--- cannot be too picky these days right? unless you're very smart OR marry a rich husband lor.
uncle: ---amused chuckles--- ya. actually, what do you think these rich people look for?
me: i'm not sure also. usually the smart and rich ones always end up together right?
uncle: ya true... but i think maybe some might be so rich that whether wife smart or rich doesn't matter. there are those who look for beauty or someone who can be a good housewife. aiyar, some things cannot control also. it's called fate. last time i courted a girl for EIGHT years. in the end also broke up. then, i met my wife for only one year and we got married. sometimes, you think so much also no use. in the end it's up to fate.
me: ---jokingly--- then your wife how? never make noise about your old girlfriend??
uncle: haha... let bygones be bygones. you know, it's all about the feeling.

all along i've been wondering how people determine how serious or committed they should be in a relationship and have only come close to a vague idea. and here's a taxi uncle who, in this simple manner, gave me something as close and as clear to an answer as i can get.