There are certain quintessential questions every Indian-American is tired of hearing. Most of which are unwarranted and make me want to figuratively throw a shovel at the person. Seriously, do people really have to reduce others to a stereotype? The answer is a resounding NO. Individuals cannot just be put into boxes.

1. "Wow you look so exotic!"

Do I look like an exotic bird to you? This bird is exotic. Last time I checked, I'm a human being, not some rare species. Indian does not mean exotic. Additionally, calling someone 'exotic' makes it feel like you're sexualizing my race.

2. "Are you going to have an arranged marriage?"

No, no I'm not. Honestly though, if I was planning to have an arranged marriage, should you really be asking that question? We all know you're basing this off the fact I'm Indian-American. Additionally, should there really be a negative stigma associated with arranged marriages? They either work or don't work for people. It's not a big deal.

3. "Oh you don't look Indian. I thought you were *insert race*".

Please, please do not make judgments regarding what race I am based on my skin color, regardless of what you think is "typical" for an Indian-American girl. I don't care what your opinion is. I'm Indian- American and I'm proud of it, regardless of what box you've decided to put me in.

4. "You act so "white" for someone who's Indian."

I absolutely abhor how people think there is a "certain way" for Indian Americans to act. No, I cannot speak my mother tongue at the moment nor will I tell you random words so you can romanticize them. I grew up in America and I'm a product of both cultures. No, I'm not a "coconut." I'm Indian-American, regardless of what fits your definition of what that means.

5. "You must know *insert another Indian person* because you're Indian and all."

Clearly we all are genetically predisposed to find each other. I just have this tracker installed to find the others, obviously (no).

6. "Hey you must be on the pre-medicine track!"

No. No. No. Go away. There's nothing wrong with people who pursue medicine, but please stop associating me with this stereotype.