Aunty Fatima Called Me at 11pm and Said Four Words That Made Me Laugh

My cousin Aunty Fatima called me last night around 11. She said she wanted to ask me one question. I said go ahead. She said, 'Zainab, is it a crime to be single at 38?'

I just started laughing. Not because it was funny. Because three years ago she was the one telling me I should be grateful my husband married me when he did. Now the same woman is calling me for advice. Life is something else.

I told her the truth. The same men who would have lined up for her at 28 are now the ones asking her to contribute to their rent. She went quiet for a while. Then she said, 'So it is not just me.'

We talked until 1am. I did not solve her problem. But I gave her one piece of advice I wish someone had given me at her age. Stop auditioning for a role nobody asked you to play.

What do you tell a woman who thinks her time is running out?