BY: BIDUSHI
Last dance class, I was sitting with my friends, laughing and talking like always, when one of them quietly told us that she would not be coming to dance class anymore. For a moment, none of us understood. She loved dancing more than anyone. You could see the happiness on her face every time the music started. She was talented, passionate, and always eager to learn. Dance was not just a hobby for her, it was the one place where she truly looked free. So we immediately asked her why she was leaving.
She gave a small smile and said that her family had found a groom for her. She was barely 22. Before we could even react, she softly added that her fiance did not like her attending dance classes, so her father asked her to stop going. What stayed with me was not just her words, but the way she said them. There were no tears, no complaints, no anger. She simply nodded and said, “Okay.” As if giving up a part of herself was something normal.
Then, in the middle of the conversation, she admitted something else, she never even wanted to study economics. Her real dream was fashion designing. She wanted to create clothes, work with colors, and build something of her own. But her family chose economics for her, and she accepted it without arguing. Not because she did not have dreams. Not because she was weak. But because she had spent her whole life being the “good daughter” the obedient girl who listens, adjusts, and sacrifices without making anyone uncomfortable.
And honestly, that hurt more than anything else. Sometimes society praises girls for being quiet, understanding, and obedient. But no one talks about how much they lose while trying to become that “perfect daughter.” Their dreams slowly become smaller. Their opinions become softer. Their choices disappear little by little until one day they no longer ask themselves what they truly want.
That day in dance class made me wonder how many girls are living like this right now smiling, agreeing, and silently letting go of pieces of themselves just to make others happy.
People often say, “She is such a good daughter.” But maybe no one stops to ask what that daughter had to give up to earn that title