The Silent Struggle

Being born into a "respectable" family in a society that values reputation over individuality is like being trapped in an invisible cage. A cage built with expectations, bound by traditions, and locked with fear. The weight of it all is suffocating, heavy, unbearable. And yet, we carry it because we were never given a choice.

From the moment I opened my eyes, the world dictated my worth. As a girl, I was taught that my existence was tied to my family’s honor. My dreams, my desires, my identity—all of it meant nothing compared to the expectations placed upon me.

Low marks? "You are a disgrace. How will we face our relatives?"
Male friends? "How dare you? Are you even a girl? What if someone sees you and tells the community? No one will marry you!"
Falling in love? "Shameless! Characterless! Is this how we raised you? You have ruined us!"

I have spent years swallowing my voice, hiding my pain, and burying my happiness under the weight of their words. Every time I thought of doing something for myself, a familiar fear gripped me—What if my parents hate me for this? What if people talk? What if they judge me? The idea of living for myself became nothing more than a distant dream.

And even after sacrificing everything—my dreams, my choices, my happiness—was it ever enough? No.

I walk? "Why are you walking around? Sit down!"
I sit? "Why are you always sitting? Stop being lazy!"
I stay quiet? "You are 25 now! Speak up in family matters!"
I speak? "What do you know? You know nothing! Just keep quiet!"

No matter what I did, I was always wrong. I was never enough. I was never wanted.

And so, I stopped. I stopped dreaming. I stopped wanting. I stopped hoping. I let go of myself to become the perfect daughter, the obedient child, the silent sufferer. I gave up everything just to hear them say, "We are proud of you." But those words never came. They never will.

To all the daughters and sons out there drowning under the same weight, hear me: Stop sacrificing yourself for those who will never see you. Stop breaking yourself to fit into a mold that was never meant for you. Stop waiting for validation from people who will never give it.

Live for yourself. Choose what you want. Love yourself the way they never did. Because no matter what you do, it will never be enough for them. But it can be enough for you.

You are not a disgrace. You are not a burden. You are not a mistake. You are YOU—and that is enough.