She wanted to borrow a spice mix used for making a special Indian dish. My mum was not at home, and I had no idea where she kept it. I said the same to the neighbor. The woman scoffed at me and said, “You don’t even know where the spices are kept, how will you find someone to marry you?”
I was at a loss for words, and just smiled nervously, though I felt like shit inside. She proceeded to barge into the kitchen and found the spice mix by herself, looking all snarky.
this is the same type of bullshit my evil stepmother did to me when I was 12. Made me believe that because I never knew how to cook AT THE AGE OF 12, that I was a bad horrible muslima and I would die a shameful stain on the family.
She followed up with intense bullying and merciless taunting, mocking, and just plain making fun of me from 11-18 until I literally moved out.
The result?
I had severe panic attacks, depression, and mental breakdowns at cookouts, events where people were cooking and expected me to help, and in my own personal life. The anxiety was so severe, I still don't know how to cook and avoid it at all costs at the age of 33.
people don't understand how their words and actions affect young women. This old lady did a "litecore" version of bullying to you, and now you're experiencing some of what I experienced growing up.
I'm sorry about those mean spirited comments.