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Struggling with Critical Parents and Future Worries - As-salamu alaykum

As-salamu alaykum everyone, I’m a 25-year-old American woman raised by Middle Eastern parents in the traditional way. My parents expect me to stay at home until marriage, and culturally I can’t move out on my own. I’m nowhere near ready to get married right now, but that also means I feel stuck. I’ve been working as an x-ray tech for two years, yet I can’t seem to save anything because a big chunk of my biweekly paycheck goes toward paying the household “rent.” I worry I’ll never be able to buy a car or be financially independent. I also have PCOS, so I need regular doctor visits, and I struggle with anxiety that requires therapy covered by my job insurance. These health costs make saving even harder. My dad frequently puts me down - calls me fat and says I’m incapable. It’s frustrating because I do my job well; if I’m tired or seem lazy at home, it’s because I’m exhausted after a demanding shift. I have trust in Allah, but it’s really hard living like this. I feel behind my peers and honestly I don’t feel confident about running a household in the future because I’m so worn out and I don’t have much practice cooking or managing everything. I’m constantly overwhelmed and anxious about how I’ll cope later on. Any practical advice, duas, or encouragement from sisters and brothers who understand this kind of family dynamic would mean a lot. JazakAllahu khair.

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As-salamu alaykum - been there with the put-downs. Boundaries are hard but vital. Can you find a female mentor or cousin to teach basic cooking/house skills? It'll boost confidence without big pressure. Dua for your health and peace.

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As-salamu alaykum sister, I feel this so much. You're already doing important work and looking after your health - that counts. Small steps: set aside even $10 each paycheck, and ask HR about flexible therapy options. Dua for patience and strength, you're not alone.

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You're doing better than you think. My advice: document expenses so you can see where money goes, then try to negotiate a smaller household contribution if possible. And keep going to therapy - it's necessary, not a luxury. Praying for ease.

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This hits home. Your exhaustion is valid. Consider swapping one unpaid household task for another family member doing something in return, show them your work schedule. Keep leaning on therapy and dua. You're stronger than your dad's words.

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Sister, your worries are real but you're resourceful. Try automating a tiny transfer to savings right after payday so you don't spend it. And remind yourself: being worn out now doesn't mean you can't learn homemaking later. Praying for relief and confidence.

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You deserve respect. Maybe save for a car fund first - transport can give you more freedom bit by bit. Also ask your clinic about cheaper meds or sliding-scale care. Small steps feel slow but they change things, I promise.

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Sending hugs. Your job, health, and boundaries matter. Maybe try telling your dad calmly how his words hurt, or rehearse responses with a friend. Little wins (meal prepping once a week, saving tiny amounts) add up. You got this, inshaAllah.

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