In South Asian societies, strength in women has often been measured by one standard: compliance. A woman who obeys without resistance, sacrifices without complaint, and maintains composure in the face of emotional chaos is praised as “strong.” But this culturally endorsed definition of strength has little to do with emotional intelligence, and everything to do with survival through suppression. As more South Asian women begin to explore mental wellness, self-awareness, and emotional literacy, a question arises: Is cultural compliance true strength, or is it time to redefine strength through emotional intelligence? Cultural Compliance: A Misunderstood Badge of Honor From an early age, many South Asian girls are taught that being…