Being Mexican has its perks: the food, parties, music, food. What more can I say? But despite these benefits, there are always downsides.
1. People don't understand how hard it is to know two languages
Sofia Vergara could not have explained it better in "Modern Family". It is so mentally exhausting going from Spanish to English, back to Spanish, then to Spanglish.
2. People think your accent is "cute" or "sexy
What accent!?! I don't sound any different den you! Honestly, I don't think I sound any different. But I end up saying "these" instead of "this" and internally die a little. So before you laugh or say my accent is cute, try talking in my shoes for a mile, because you won't think it's cute. Zorry not zorry.
3. Finding the nice way to answer people when they ask if you can speak Mexican
No. Stop. I'm not even going to elaborate on this.
4. Having to drive miles so you can get elotes.
In America, the elotero doesn't come to you, you go to him (or her). Finding someone who sells elotes is harder than finding "x" in x+y=1.
5. When people think you're automatically illegal
Just because I have a nopal on my forehead does not mean I'm illegal. End of discussion.
6. Being the only 21-year-old to jump into the candy pile
I don't care if you're 5, 10, or 50 years old. You best get out of my way when that candy breaks through the piñata. May the strongest get the most expensive, authentic candy.
7. Having to drive across states just to watch Mexico play
I get it. Americans have football, but we have futbol. Being able to watch Mexico play for 90 minutes is worth listening to your parents' stories from when they were in Mexico and had it worse than you.
8. Never being able to sleep over at a friend's house
Mexican parents are so strict--I couldn't even sleep at my cousin's house growing up. OK, I admit it; I slept at a friend's house once. But that's only because her dad begged my dad. It is still the best sleepover I have ever been to.
9. No boyfriends until you're 35
Not that my parents need to worry, but it's still a struggle when you think you might have a chance with one. #singleforever
10. Choosing what event to go to
As explained in number 8, Mexican parents are so strict. If you have two events in the same week, you best choose whichever one is most fun because you sure won't be attending both. Or anything else the rest of the month, for that matter.
11. The never-ending hellos and goodbyes at parties
Sometimes you think you can sneak away before telling your tios and tias goodbye, but that's truly never going to happen. One time I sat in the back at a quinceañera, and when it was time to leave, I literally went to each table telling everyone goodbye. P.S. I was stalled for 20 mins.
12. Joking with your mom is no joke.
Expect the chancla to soar from under your mom's foot in under 0.4 seconds.
13. Eating tamales for three weeks straight after a holiday
Tamales for breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner. Not as glorious as it sounds, trust me.
Whichever struggle, just know la raza stands with you. Much love to my struggling Mexicans.
