Lamiya, 23, New York [Female]
Growing up, I always wanted to look like anyone but myself. It didn't help growing up in affluent American suburbia - where my family and I were the only individuals who were naturally "tan". To make things worse, I didn't fit into the bengali cultural societies because I was deemed "too American." Where did I fit?
At first, I plunged into my studies and my exams. I worked hard so the only thing my aunties could complain about was the fact that I did not know how to cook anything! That was cool. I was the defiant daughter who would rather learn to solve integrals than cook daal.
It took me a few years before I came to the realization that I was okay with defying traditional standards - but when it came to who I was, or more importantly who I loved, I was terrified. Not being able to cook daal is one thing, but loving an individual who would never be accepted into my family was quite another.
I don't know what to do. I want to be happy, but at what sacrifice?
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