Desi Daughters:

Sometimes mothers need to understand that their daughters know what they’re doing. In many desi households, there’s a constant struggle between what parents believe is best and what their children actually want. Yes, we get it—you want the best for us. But, hey, it’s our life too.

We’ve experienced things you may not even be aware of, and we often navigate challenges silently. All we ask is for the freedom to make our own choices, at least this once.

In many desi families, mothers encourage their daughters to get married young. Often, this is rooted in their own trauma—they don’t want us to go through the same struggles they endured. But instead of giving us the chance to focus on university or dream about studying abroad, the marriage narrative takes over.

In many cases:

• Girls are expected to stop studying after middle or high school.

• If they do go to university, they’re often pushed into marriage soon after because of societal gossip like: “Oh no, she’s in co-education!”

But daughters are not just about getting married. We have dreams:

• To study freely, without the weight of marriage.
• To experience life abroad, independent and unburdened by a partner.
• To earn, spend our own money, and explore the world because YOLO.

For some, luck aligns, and they marry someone with an open mindset. These girls thrive in a relationship where there’s no confinement but rather exploration, growth, and adventure. They embrace the strong woman they’ve always aspired to be while still nurturing the little girl within them.

Thank you to those men with progressive thinking—you’re helping pave the way for a brighter future.

Mothers often expect their daughters to open up to them, but they sometimes overlook how their actions affect that trust. Casual comments or sharing things daughters want to keep private can deeply hurt them, breaking their trust.

Trust issues don’t just come from broken friendships or relationships—they can stem from family too. When a daughter has spent her life seeking her mother’s attention and approval, but doesn’t receive it, it’s heartbreaking. And when she finally chooses to stay silent, the emotional blackmail begins.

Dear mothers, please try to understand your daughters as they are—unique individuals shaped by a different generation. Consider their personalities, dreams, and challenges. We aren’t rejecting your love; we just need your support to thrive in our own way.