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“She’s Not Your Rival, She’s Your Reflection”
Aishwarya and Vipasha are sisters, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. Aishwarya, the older sister, is everything that their parents dreamed of: academically successful, well-behaved, married to a stable and well-respected man, and always seen as the ideal, the one who has it all together. As Vipasha’s parents always say, Aishwarya is the “Yash Raj ki heroine,” the perfect embodiment of success, grace, and traditional values. On the other hand, Vipasha, the younger, is the complete opposite. She’s a wild spirit, living for the present, constantly chasing after excitement, and indulging in a lifestyle that doesn’t fit the mold her family has set for her. She’s white-washed, wanting to…
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“The Pressure to Be the ‘Perfect Beti’: How It Fuels Toxic Competition Among South Asian Women”
f you grew up in a South Asian household, chances are you’ve heard it all:“Be respectful.”“Focus on your studies.”“Don’t talk back.”“What will people say?” And of course, the ultimate title we were meant to strive for — the “perfect beti.” It sounds innocent, even admirable, right? A daughter who is obedient, successful, and selfless. But what if I told you that this image — this shiny, untouchable ideal — is quietly fueling a cycle of competition, insecurity, and pressure among South Asian women? The Weight of Perfection From a young age, many of us are conditioned to live up to this almost mythical status. It’s not just about being good…