Things People Who are Indian Wish You Knew
If this is part of your life story, please share your insights! What would you like the rest of us to learn? What should we know about people in this community? How would you like people to interact with you? Should people ask questions? What’s the best way for people to learn about this? Do you have any resources (books, movies, YT videos, etc) that will give us greater understanding and empathy and kindness toward people who experience the same things you do?
If you’re not on this journey, we welcome you to listen, learn, and ask respectful, good-faith questions! Open-ended questions are highly encouraged, as they give people the space to share their unique experiences in their own words. While this is a safe space to learn about things you’ve never experienced, please remember to be sensitive, and avoid sharing harmful stereotypes or debating someone's lived reality. If you have a question, ask it with empathy. If someone gently corrects you, please be open to learning. Let's have a gentle, fun, friendly conversation where we support one another, because it takes all sorts to make a world!
@ShadowFaerie @unassumingEyes @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @sadcat13 @Amanda84 @goldenduckling @mytwistedsoul @Tinywhisper11 @LovemyMoonflowers @GreenLime3141 @7Bear7 @Phoenixthepoised @Torean @GentleHealingInitiative @cyanessence @YourCaringConfidant @CaringEzra @NobleSeeker @fossilfellow @BastionKnight @trueconfidant123 @safeplace288 @lovingCat6978 @reservedOwl321 @dapperNest2125 @Creamyyy @naturesbeauty1234 @bubbleSummer9800 @peachThinker662 @warmheartedHuman836 @Mansbestfriend @Paliloveyourself @Magicpawsoffuture @SelfCareMatters @TovaCares76 @sabeyesofblue3535 @Ailuraphilelove8tear9 @charmingApple8098 @luvArisu @BlueDarkAurora @curiousbookishness @sympatheticPlace3743 @musawva @KindleMissie @WellsFiction @Angelanj @SlappyMcGee @SunshineJazz @LexListens2025 @Heather225 @agreeableSkies9889
I’m adding a taglist to start, but this post is open to absolutely everyone! <3
@jesusredeemedme2425
This is where I can participate, thanks for making this thread and for tagging me, Kiara 💗
I have so much to say!
I knew this post would be SUPER popular! So many Indians on 7Cups <3
@jesusredeemedme2425
I thought it would blow up but that hasn't happened yet lol.
Ailura and her crew haven’t gotten here yet ;)
@jesusredeemedme2425 @Ailuraphilelove8tear9
Bahahahaha <3
@trueconfidant123
I have had mixed experiences here for sure, many many wonderful people , but sadly some unsavoury 🥺
@Amanda84 aw I can understand
Aww the gif <3
@trueconfidant123
Sadly mostly the men, you and fossil and Ailura, do a great job of putting forward great values and beauty and represent your country well 💛
@Amanda84
That's how it should be. I don't like it when people generalize a whole nationality based on the behaviour of some ***. I've even been bullied, flirted with by non-Indian women and men here. So it's more about character than your origin.
foolish people*
@trueconfidant123
Absolutely.
I one hundred percent agree with you.
It's about humanity.
Common decency and respect for all.
Regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, color or sexuality .
It's about kindness.
And I've never let bad experiences with others here bias my view of other people from the same country, I base each encounter on its own merits 💙
@Amanda84
That's the way to go. Thank you for being kind.
@trueconfidant123
You've never been nothing but kind to me 💙
@Amanda84 ❤️
@fossilfellow
💛
@trueconfidant123
Summoned here to fullfill the command 😤😣
@jesusredeemedme2425
Yayy..!!!! I'm here... lol wanna talk abt a lot here. but I'm afraid to dump my perspective 😅
Please dump! <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 I still don't feel comfy sharing my country's name, especially online, not because I don't like it, but because of how much racism is out there, and I've faced a lot of cyber bullying in past.
I’m so sorry that people have treated you so badly :’(
@jesusredeemedme2425 ❤️❤️
@fossilfellow
Ah no, I'm sorry you feel this way 💙
@Amanda84 ❤️❤️
@fossilfellow
I did not know you're Indian. I guessed Bangladesh.
Also, I'm extremely sorry about the negative experience. We don't deserve this. I've faced some harsh judgement even on here from some members. But I know not everyone's the same. There are good people out there who treat everyone alike.
🫂💗
@trueconfidant123
I didn't realise any one of you was suffering this mistreatment, I'm really sorry 💙
@Amanda84
Thank you, Amanda. I've learnt to handle it better than before. 😊💗
@trueconfidant123
💙
People can be awful. :(
@trueconfidant123 thank you 💝
@fossilfellow @trueconfidant123
I'm so sorry to hear that :( . Nobody should be mistreated bcs of a nationality. We love you guys and you are such awesome people.
@chillmoon Thank you, I love you too 💝
@chillmoon
You're right. And thank you so much! 🫂💗
@trueconfidant123
💙
@fossilfellow
I completely agree with you, n I'm a victim myself through. sending lots of love ur way ❤️.
@jesusredeemedme2425
Honestly, I’ve had a bad experience and perspective about India. Maybe it’s because I’ve gone through a hard time here. If I share my thoughts, they might sound very negative 😅. ik there are many good things about India, but my personal experiences make it hard for me to see the positive side.
One thing I really dislike is how some people pressure women to get married in their early 20s or even at 18. It has reduced nowadays, but in towns and villages, especially in the southern parts, it’s still quite common. They expect girls to get married at 18 n have children soon after. Often, parents choose the partner instead of letting the woman or man choose for themselves lol. How stupid 😑... It’s frustrating. ah man... I'm simply suppressing my anger 😭 I had been abused by men's ?? I'm just in my early 20s.. god, my parents forcing me to get married guyss 😭😭 i just want to scream out of my lungs.
@Ailuraohilelove8tear9
You're absolutely right. There's a lot of pressure towards women to get married early... Especially in villages, and even in some cities, I've always heard my parents and relatives discussing these... their conversations are extremely toxic and messed up.
My elder sis also had to face these pressure in her early-mid twenties, constantly being pressured to get married, and every other week searching for a husband, fights but she stood for herself, and delayed it every time, for studies and ommen of her choice and us siblings stood by her side.
You have every right to be angered and oppose them for forcing you to marry. Even if it causes so much arguments :(
It's very difficult, but it's better than being stuck with someone who isn't of your choice i think. They have no right to force you into marrying someone when you're not ready.
I'm so very sorry you had so go through all that :'(
*hugs* ❤️
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
This honestly sucks. One of my close friends from high school got married as soon as she entered her 20s. She's a South Indian. As far as I know, it's not a love marriage. It was shocking to see her leave her job offer because she had always been so brilliant. She did not invite any of her friends and it was a lowly affair. I've been trying to get her to call me since more than a year now, but she refuses to contact. I'm not sure why she does that. The guy from all the stalking that I've done appears to be in his early 30s which is even more surprising.
On the other hand, whenever I go out to attend family functions and weddings, oldies will reach out to me or my parents asking about my marriage plans. On one occasion, I was even dragged by an uncle because he wanted a relative of his to see that I'm a prospective candidate. I hate this culture. I do know that this isn't a common notion for all over the country. But it definitely needs to be toned down. Legal adults should absolutely have the right to choose a partner of their liking. Unfortunately, the mindset is still regressive in this regards in some parts of the country.
Hugs if okay! 🫂💗
@curiousSloth 🤗
@fossilfellow
@trueconfident123
Yeah… I’ve spent my whole life in the city, and I’ve personally seen a lot of forced marriages. Many of them ended in divorce within just 2–3 months :( It’s honestly traumatizing to watch.
I also notice that men are allowed to marry whenever they want, but when it comes to women, ppl constantly question and pressure them about marriage wherever they go. It’s really frustrating. Like… if a girl isn’t doing well in her career or doesn’t behave perfectly according to others, marriage suddenly becomes the solution?? 😑
Confident, I’m really sry to hear abt ur friend. It feels so real, n I can understand why she felt that way.
In many places in the South, daughters-in-law are treated like maids. You can’t truly be yourself. You’re expected to limit phone calls (lol, even my mom gets annoyed if I’m on calls too long (Too long > more than half hour 😑) they look at you like you’ve committed a crime). If you work, cook, and never speak up against your in-laws, then you’re considered the perfect daughter-in-law. Ppl praise you for basically being silent and obedient… like a sla ve.
And honestly, if the husband is kind, at least there’s some relief. Otherwise, it feels like you’ve signed your life away for he ll.
I’ve seen my aunts go through this. They’re some of the most beautiful n innocent souls I know, but everything changed after marriage. she was abused by both her in-laws and her husband, yet she stayed for her child. I don’t think she has ever truly enjoyed her life after getting married.
I hate this part of our culture the way women are treated like they don’t matter, like they’re just unpaid maids.
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
I'm really sorry to hear that. Unhappy marriages can be traumatizing even as a spectator. I've personally heard such stories through a workshop I had conducted for a women's community project that I had undertaken. The police informed us that majority of women don't speak up about marital abuse. And most of it is linked to dowry. However, I'm glad that awareness is created around this and this system is slowly getting cancelled.
I'm grateful for my parents. They're perfect as a couple and as parents. My freedom has never been restricted to the point it made me revolt. They care a great deal about my career and security. However, external societal pressure does make them stressed sometimes. I wish people could just mind their own business. Too many of them poking their noses in other's lives lol. Like,
About my friend, I do think she's doing good. Her husband is a scientist. I'm hoping he is a decent guy. I really hope to connect with her someday.
@trueconfidant123
That’s really comforting to hear, honestly. not everyone gets that kind of support from their parents, so that’s something truly valuable. im soo happy for u 🤗 nd yeah… society really needs to learn to mind its own business sometimes 😅
It’s sad how many women stay silent, but at least awareness is growing now, slowly but surely :( evn myself I'm afraid to talk abt this to my parents, even if i do... thy dont even care lol.
I’m really glad your friend is doing okay. I hope her husband treats her well, and that you get to reconnect with her someday. (that's a relief 🤧✨)
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
I'm sorry to know that you're scared to talk to your parents. I figured that sometimes it's also us who hesitates to reach out to them for support or even vent. I like to get rid of the bias occasionally and have a yap sesh with my parents whenever I feel like they're actually in a good mood. It can be refreshing.
I wish you all the love and light in the world ! 🫂💗
Ps. I like how this has become your yap corner lol, it's so fun to read everything haha.
@trueconfidant123
Yeah, children are so closed with their parents, it's b'cos of how parents treat them n their stright rule, you don't feel home with them... to share anything, i even afraid to talk anything with my mom lol, she kinda to agressive 😅
Yap corner??? Sounds cool 😂😂..!! i think i should yapp more lol.
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
That's not how it should be. Being at ease at your own home is important.
@trueconfidant123
Lol, yeah right...!! my house is a face of anxiety itself 😄
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
It's mostly the societal pressure here as well, rn my sis has a bf of her own choice, he's from a different religion, and atp my parents are also okay with it.
I have noticed that they've started to bring this topic of marriage for my other sis as well who hasn't even hitted her 20s yet, and say things like " You've got 5 more years " then we'll start lookin for guy, and even recently they were bringing the topic of marraige of her, It makes me really angry and annoyed and i support my sis by standing up for her.
There's so many aunts and ppl I've heard of who's life felt like a cage after being married to someone who isn't of their choice, not knowing what the guy is like and ltr ending up in abuse and divorce.
My own parents have experienced this, since as long as I remember. I hate this parts of our culture, I've noticed that they make women feel like they're expired for marriage once they hit their 30s.
Yes, awareness is getting created but sadly there's still a lot of social pressure :(
@fossilfellow
Yeah… I get why that makes u angry. She hasn’t even hit 20 and they’re already putting a timeline on her life?? i gor through this too, that kind of pressure is so unfair. I’m really glad she has u standing up for her though, that matters more than u think.
n what u said is true… so many marriages turn into cages when there’s no choice or understanding involved. It’s painful how society still treats women like they have an "expiry date" for marriage :(
At least i believe things are slowly changing, even if it’s not fast enough. conversations like this, and ppl like u supporting ur sis 😭, are part of that change ❤️
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9 ❤️❤️❤️
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
hey, not just south my girl in the north it's even extreme, believe me I come from Rajasthan !!!
@jesusredeemedme2425
Ah, I've got lot in my mind... lemme share it one by one xD 😄
India isn’t just a country… it’s a living museum carved in stone 😂, shaped by time, faith n imagination. ❤️
Long before modern machines n technology, indian architects were already creating wonders that still leave the world speechless 😶. temples weren’t just buildings, they were stories written in rock. every carving, every pillar, every tiny detail had meaning ❤️
Take the built over 1000 years ago during the Chola dynasty. The massive granite tower still stands strong today. No modern cranes, no advanced tools, just pure human skill, planning n vision. It’s said the shadow of the tower doesn’t fall on the ground at noon… imagine that level of precision 😣
Or the a whole temple carved from a single rock. not built, but removed from a mountain. One mistake n everything could’ve been destroyed… but instead they created perfection 😣✨
Then comes the a symbol of love 🤗, but also of perfect symmetry, balance n genius design. The way it changes color with the sky… it almost feels alive. 🤗
What’s powerful is this, these weren’t just architects. they were thinkers, artists, mathematicians n visionaries all at once. Many of their names are lost, but their work still speaks louder than history books.
India’s architecture isn’t just abt the past… it’s a reminder. it shows greatness doesn’t come from tools but It comes from vision, patience n discipline ❤️
We didn’t just inherit land… we inherited legacy n that’s something to be proud of india ❤️
Hope that it helps 😉
*Hugs* 🤗
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9 Thank you for sharing 💝
@fossilfellow
Aww 😊, full of pleasure 💜
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9 ❤️❤️
@jesusredeemedme2425
Uhm.. another one ofc 😄 (abt festival's now 🤧)
India doesn’t celebrate festivals… it erupts into them.
this isn’t quiet joy or small gatherings, this is streets turning into oceans of ppls 😅, lights taking over the night n colors claiming the sky 💗
During
it feels like the entire country refuses darkness, every home glows, every corner shines 🤗 as if light itself is being defended 😄
Then comes, where identity disappears lol 😆 no rich or poor, no stranger or friend. just colors, chaos n laughter exploding all at once
n brings a different kind of power, quiet strength, gratitude n generosity, tables open for everyone, hearts even more so 😊
What makes this different is this India doesn’t celebrate alone, it pulls u in, whether u’re ready or not 😄
It’s loud, it’s overwhelming, it’s messy but it’s alive in a way words can’t fully explain
b'cos here… festivals aren’t dates on a calendar. they’re moments where an entire nation feels like one beating heart 🇮🇳🤗
Hope that help's 😊
Still I've got many things to share, lemme know if u would love to hear. hehe 😅 I feel like I'm yapping xD
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
Very beautifully described. Festivals are the soul of India. Our unity is our strength.
@trueconfidant123
Cant agree more with you 🤗
More please! <3
@jesusredeemedme2425
Sureee 😊
@jesusredeemedme2425
i love all my indian friends here!
i'm sorry to hear you've faced criticism because of your nationality due to those unworthy actions of some ppl. it breaks my heart to read that 🥺 i've also heard about the forced marriages, and it's sad to hear that you don't get to decide your future. i hope that mindset will soon change ❤️
and i love how ailura (@Ailuraphilelove8tear9) keeps updating this with all the fascinating n interesting things! especially i love the festivals you ppl celebrate 🎇
just wanted to say that yall are amazing! sending big hugs to all of youu 🤗❤️
@enthusiasticHouse3272 ❤️❤️❤️
@enthusiasticHouse3272
Aww nethuuu..!! that's so kind of u sweetie, I'm so glad to read those kind n Supportive words from u 😊. you're just amazing...!! like yah, we got the unique way of celebrating festival xD yay..!! 😄. I'm so happy to hear that you love us n our festival 🤗
*Hug you closer to my heart* 🤗
@Ailuraphilelove8tear9
i'm glad that you're glad! 😌❤️
you guys have a vibrant culture and i loove it✨
hugsiess🤗❤️
@jesusredeemedme2425
💜 Culture n Diversity 💜
India isn’t one culture… it’s a thousand worlds living in one land. lol, i would say it's a mini continuant itself 😄
Travel a few hundred kilometers n everything changes language, food, clothes, traditions… even the way ppl think
yet somehow, it all still belongs to the same country,
in the south, languages like carry a history older than many civilizations, different words, same emotions 😊
Food shifts just as fast from spicy curries to coconut-based dishes, from wheat to rice.
every region has its own identity on a plate 😊 Clothing tells stories too
a in one state is worn differently in another, same cloth… different expression 🌸
What’s powerful is this, these differences don’t divide India... but they define it 🤗
It’s not abt everyone being the same. it’s abt everyone being different… n still standing together 😊
India teaches something most places struggle with
unity doesn’t mean uniformity ❤️it means coexistence without losing ur identity n that’s not just culture... that’s strength 😊🇮🇳
