1. You call any brown person significantly older than you, "auntie" or "uncle".
2. And even when you're ready to burst from fullness you always manage to muster up a second wind.
3. You've learned to refuse gifts at least three times before you allow yourself to accept them.
4. And that no favour is too small if an elder relative asks for it.
5. You see every empty garage as potential for a second kitchen.
having your friends ask why you have a kitchen in your garage 😅 #growingupdesi
So much space for atta though.
6. And your home security system consists of leaving some lights and the television on.
7. You've learned not to throw anything away, and that everything has its purpose.
8. And that there are no limits when it comes to cramming as many people as possible into a small space.
9. If something new is invented you can't help wonder if it was because of your people.
10. You always assess whether a situation is worth getting properly dressed up for.
#GrowingUpDesi *dresses up nice for school once* mom: "you're going there to learn or have a fashion show??"
11. Shouting doesn't really faze you, considering you grew up with your parents bellowing on the phone.
12. In fact there's only one loud noise that can make you jump.
Every time an Indian dad sneezes, it's as if an atom bomb is dropped.
13. You're dubious when someone says they're making you pasta, because you know it might not be Italian-style.
14. But you have a lot of faith in paracetamol, because you grew up being told it was the solution to everything.
15. You can never look at any of these items without seeing them as a potential weapon.
16. You only strive for perfection because you've learned that anything less than 100% just won't do.
17. You know that a compliment and a searing insult can be delivered all at once.
18. So you've grown the thickest of skins.
19. Even if there's no-one around, as an adult you still feel a bit awkward watching a sex scene on TV.
20. And if you're expecting guests you make sure to clean everything, even places they won't even see.
21. If someone hands you your mail, you assume they've already read it.
22. You never fully trust the contents of a butter tub.
23. But you never, ever trust anyone who says "We're leaving now".
You have to start saying bye at 6pm to leave by 8pm #growingupindian
Never.