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“From Rebellion to Guilt: The Emotional Consequences of Saying ‘No'”
Picture Credits: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/da/6a/c5/da6ac58b80619c6e8eac93a352e32830.jpg In South Asian culture, there is an unspoken, often overwhelming expectation that women are always available. Available to listen, to help, to serve, to nurture, and to comply. This “yes” culture, rooted in centuries of familial and societal expectations, often leaves South Asian women carrying a heavy emotional load. But what happens when we say “no”? The simple, yet profound word that is supposed to represent empowerment, often transforms into an emotional battleground, particularly when it clashes with cultural norms. The Weight of Saying ‘No’ For many South Asian women, saying “no” is not just about turning down a request. It feels like rejecting a part of…
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“From Judgment to Joy: How Letting Go of Competition Made Me a Better Woman”
Anaira’s POV: Zayaan leaving was both a relief and a loss, but it was a loss I was ready to face. The years I had spent competing, fighting for his attention, and trying to mold myself into someone I wasn’t—those years felt like they had been wasted. But now, with Zayaan gone and Mahir moving in as our new tenant, I had room to breathe, to heal, and to finally let go of the toxic patterns we had been stuck in. Mahir, unlike his brother Zayaan, wasn’t here to judge us. He wasn’t here to drag us down or bring up the past to hurt us. He knew about everything—how…
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“Who Gets to Be ‘Ideal’ in Our Culture – and at What Cost?”
Returning to Pakistan after living abroad for so many years was a whirlwind of emotions. On the one hand, I missed the familiarity—the comfort of home, the smell of home-cooked food, and the warmth of my family. But on the other hand, I didn’t quite feel like I belonged here anymore. Living abroad had transformed me in ways I didn’t expect, and I was no longer the person my family thought I was. I had always been the obedient daughter, the one who followed the rules. But being away from home for so long had allowed me to redefine who I am. I started to choose my own path—independent, confident,…
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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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“Why We Tear Each Other Down Instead of Lifting Each Other Up”
Ruqayya and Ramsha are twin sisters, but not in the usual sense. Their lives have been intertwined since birth, and yet, the comparisons never seem to stop. Growing up in a South Asian family where being perfect was the expectation, Ruqayya always stood out as the one who excelled in everything—academics, social life, and even relationships. On the other hand, Ramsha, though bright and talented in her own way, always seemed to fall short of her family’s expectations. Despite the constant pressure to be like her sister, Ramsha found herself struggling to meet the standards set by her parents and others around her. While Ruqayya’s accomplishments were celebrated, Ramsha’s perceived…
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“Is It Really Love If We’re Always Competing?” – Competitive Friendships Among South Asian Women
Introduction: Laiba and Alishka had been best friends since childhood, growing up side by side through thick and thin. Their bond was unshakeable, formed on trust, laughter, and unconditional support. But as they grew older, their families began to compare them—who was more successful, who was better at academics, who had the better social circle. Slowly, this comparison began to undermine the strength of their friendship. But Laiba wasn’t about to let that happen. She decided it was time to stand up, not only for herself but for her friendship with Alishka, and remind her parents of something vital: Allah SWT didn’t create our lives to be a competition. Laiba’s…
Daughters of Strength, Bosses by Choice