• Desi Girl Struggles

    “Why Do Aunties Love to Compare Us? The Root of Judgment in South Asian Communities”

    You’re at a family gathering. The chai is flowing, the snacks are out, and the aunties… well, they’re in full form.“She’s studying medicine now, right?”“That one got married last year — such a good match.”“Oh, you’re still figuring things out? Hmm… don’t worry, beta.” The comparisons are casual — even passive-aggressive — but they sting. And they stick. For so many of us, these moments aren’t rare. They’re normal. But that’s the problem.Because behind the polite smiles and sideways glances lies a culture of judgment that shapes how we see ourselves — and each other. So let’s ask the question out loud:Why do aunties love to compare us? It’s Not…