From 5 PM curfews to a "no boys allowed" policy, it was tough growing up as a chubby little brown kid. As I went through various phases in life, I continued to have a love/hate relationship with my culture. Here are 25 struggles that almost all Indian women have faced, and if you were lucky enough to not experience them yourself, here are 25 struggles of growing up Indian that you'll definitely understand.

1. Making plans with your friends and asking your parents if you can hang out with them at least two weeks in advance because it takes 7 to 10 business days for Mummy and Daddy to process your request.

2. Making plans with your friends and saying, "I'll ask my parents and let you know," then not asking your parents, and telling your friends your parents said no the very next day (because even asking them if you could hang out at 10 pm would result in a death stare.)

3. Explaining to your squad that you can't go to the movies with them tonight because your curfew is at 5 PM.

4. Getting a 63% on an exam and telling your parents their prayers paid off because everyone in the class failed, and the class average was a 42 - when it was actually an 88 and you were one of the three people who failed.

5. Telling your parents a joke and getting a three hour and 52 minute lecture on how you should respect your elders.

6. Watching your mom cry as she watches TV because her favorite guy from that Indian drama went through two accidents, seven demons, the Lochness monster, and reincarnation to reunite with the love of his life.

Gentlemen, take notes.

7. Seeing this guy almost everywhere:

8. Seeing this guy wherever you don't see the other guy:

9. Having lentil soup for dinner. EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.

10. Not being able to step out of the door if someone sneezes right before, because that has a positive correlation with you getting fired, or you know, dying.

11. Speaking of superstitions, not being able to wash your hair on certain days of the week because washing your hair on a Tuesday = seven years of bad luck.

Who needs personal hygiene?

12. Keeping your relationship a secret from the entire world.

Even if one Aunty finds out about you having a boyfriend, all Indians everywhere will judge you for being a slut.

13. Not being able to keep a diary because you know your parents will shamelessly read it.

And no, locking your diary isn't an option, because your mom will likely keep the key in her drawer.

14. Getting a death stare from your parents every time you smile at your phone, because you're obviously talking to boys.

15. Getting compared to your cousins, or friends, or anyone, really.

What was that? You were ranked as #2 in your senior class? Well too bad, because Dolly's daughter came at #1 AND got into medical school. Won a competition? You should try to be more like your cousin, who presented at the science fair and shook hands with President Obama. Uhhhh......not okay.

16. Being told that you must marry a man who is becoming either a doctor, engineer, or lawyer.

Let's establish that the only doctor I am marrying is Derek Shepard, the only engineer I am kissing is Ted Mosby, and the only lawyer I will EVER cuddle is Marshall Erikson.

17. Being told that you must become either a doctor, engineer, or lawyer.

Because you know, teachers don't help change the world. Neither do journalists or businesswomen, or any women belonging to any other profession.

18. Not being able to watch your favorite TV shows when your parents are around because sex scenes.

Don't even THINK about watching Game of Thrones in the living room.

19. Having the most awkward sex talk, EVER.

"Don't do the sex before marriage. It's a sin. Don't. Don't do the sex." And you thought your sex talk was awkward.

20. Going on a family vacation and avoiding the beach at all costs.

Because even looking at a woman in a bathing suit puts your mother to shame.

21. Maggie noodles all day everyday.

22. Going on a family vacation and being forced to eat the food that your mom packed in aluminum foil.

Don't deny it, we've all been there.

23. Bollywood.

You know you have a love/hate relationship with Indian cinema when the sound of any Bollywood movie makes you cringe, but you secretly watch them in your room and twirl like a princess afterwards.

24. Hearing the birthday song from that 1950s classic Bollywood movie at every kid's birthday party.

" Happy Birthdayyy toooo SUNI-TA!" Earplugs, anyone?

25. Turning 21 and being asked about when you plan on getting married.

Because you know, travelling, studying, discovering yourself, planning a career, and making new friends can come later.