Once you get past the mispronunciation of our names, there's an entire universe of exclusive privileges and stories that come along with the mouthful, "American Born Indian Teenager".
1. Your closet is an endless abyss.
Your closet probably stretches beyond what's in your room. Sometimes the clothes that represent two different countries and worlds can take up two or three closets. Before a party you will have gone through every item of clothing and jewelry you own because if your room doesn't look like a tornado of sparkles flew through it, you haven't been doing it right.
2. Your food expectations are just too high.
After eating Maa's Biryani and Chicken 65, there really is no food out there that can live up to the caliber. You would trade eating at a 5-star restaurant for some of your grandma's homemade butter chicken any day. No question. Hands down. There really is nothing better than it.
3. "It's itchy", "I'm sweating"
As a child, getting locked up in tight fitting, itchy Indian clothes was something we all dreaded. However, with time, you will/have began to love your gorgeous, intricate blouses and appreciate the work that was put in to make sure you are always dressed to the nines.
4. Superstitions.
There was basically a superstition for everything. At first, you taunt your parents about their blind belief and tease about the lack of scientific reasoning until you realize that you won't accept money with your left hand. Sandal flipped upside down? There's gonna be a fight in the house. You took money with your left hand? You're gonna forget that you have it. You handed me the salt shaker directly in my hands? Havoc.
5. You love your family, food, clothes, and wonderfully large community.
Sometimes, being a part of two worlds is tough! You often don't know where you belong or compromise your identity to feel like you do. Some advice: just be yourself, and be grateful for the kind, loving family and community that will stick with you through it all.
6. You created a new culture.
You're practically a revolutionary. You created this fusion that blends the best parts of both worlds. You go girl.
