Introduction: The Price of Being “Perfect” “I just wanted to be enough.” That’s what Priya, a 29-year-old South Asian woman from Toronto, said when asked why she spent years suppressing her emotions, chasing straight A’s, and saying “yes” even when her heart screamed “no.” For many South Asian daughters, perfection isn’t just encouraged — it’s demanded.Be respectful. Be successful. Be quiet. Be beautiful. Be dutiful.And above all, be good. But at what cost? Understanding Good Girl Syndrome Good Girl Syndrome isn’t officially in psychology textbooks — but its consequences are painfully real.It describes the internalized belief that a woman’s worth is tied to compliance, achievement, self-sacrifice, and reputation. Especially in…