Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are those of the author’s and don’t necessarily represent or reflect the views of MangoBaaz.
By: Sameen Shahid
Being ladylike was mandatory for women during the Victorian period in England but for some odd reason Pakistanis are still keeping that spirit alive in 21st century. Therefore being tomboyish is considered to be a curse.
Here is a list of struggles a tomboy goes through, in Pakistan:
1. You are labelled as the “bad influence” on other girls.
Since you live with that curse, you’re the bad influence for all the goody-two-shoes. Aunties don’t want their daughters to be friends with you because what if you infected them also? NO WAY.
2. People ask you stupid questions
The most annoying question is, “since when do you walk/talk/dress up like that?” As if you have some horrible sickness. Followed by, “are you the only sister of many brothers?” or worse, they will pass on some important information i.e “guys don’t like girls like you” focusing on YOU as the plague.
3. They feel sorry for you
They think you don’t fit in the world so some of them feel sorry for you, and they also try to give you tips to get on the “right path” for free. While you just sit there and wait for them to stop and realize you’re not looking for their “precious advice”.
4. They worry about your… ailment
They will ask you this question because they want to hear “no” but you know you’re not going to say that, to their utmost disappointment.
5. They question your parents’ upbringing
Aunties love taunting, and having such a girl around is the high time for them. They love bombarding the poor souls with their awful questions. And the worst thing is you can’t say anything; you stand there and plan their murder in your head.
6. People worry if you can wear high heels, ever.
Seriously what kind of question is that? I guess one can wear sneakers and run away from such people.
Easy!
7. Aunties will tell you that you won’t get married
This statement is the all time favorite of “concerned” aunties; since you can’t even carry high heels no one will marry you. Not only does it sounds stupid but it’s also funny. So just laugh at it and move on.
8. They question if your wardrobe is stolen from your brother(s)
And this annoying question, here you can use the death stare, again.
9. Your friends don’t trust you near their makeup.
If by chance you have some girly friends they don’t trust you in their makeup rooms because they’re afraid you’ll ruin it. Dear friend, Y U Do this?
10. Everyone will try to predict your future
They come in all shapes and sizes but tell you the same thing and that is “one day you would look back and regret being like this” or “you will become normal soon”. How is not being your definition of girly not normal ? :/
11. And of course, your dearest ami will try all her ways to “change you”
She might be cool with you being YOU most of the time but every now and then your chachii, phupo or khala will make her turn on you and she will ask you to grow up and she will break your heart by comparing you with your “sweet” and flawless cousins.
You just sit there and stare the wall.
But in the end you enjoy life more, so don’t care about the bhainjees and all the “ladies”. You are your own person.
About the Author: Sameen believes in the magic that humans can do through writing.