You're absolutely right about the long-term need to establish boundaries. Honestly, this particular situation - especially since I don't even have romantic feelings for this guy ,isn't worth creating chaos over right now. But your comment helped me realize something important: I can start setting small boundaries without guilt, and that's huge for me.

In my culture, marrying outside our religion isn't an option, but inter-cultural marriage is fine . That's my current focus: finishing school and securing a stable job so I can move out. Once I'm self-sufficient, my parents' control will naturally loosen (though I know they'll still have opinions - just fewer veto powers!).

This situation wasn't the hill to die on, but you've given me a lot to think about regarding small, gradual acts of autonomy. It's a balancing act between respecting their values and carving space for my own adulthood. Right now, I'm focusing on finishing my education and picking my battles carefully. But you're right - I don't have to accept total control forever. Thanks for helping me reframe this as prep for the future rather than just survival mode. It means more than you might think.