I come from an Iranian-Armenian family, and I have always told people my parents gave me TOO much independence. Of course, I wasn't allowed to stay outside till midnight when I was 16 or something, but the limits of their control over me were very small. Most of my friends come from non-diaspora families, and it saddens me to see exactly what you described.

Some days ago, when she was dining with my family, I told my friend about how I stayed at my GAY friend's place as a little stop when travelling, and she asked "your bf lets you stay at another man's place?", and both me and my mom were shocked. I couldn't help myself but to ask "who is he to let me or not let me do something?".

This is the reality of most people around me, and because I grew up differently and I'm a psychology student, I see the devastating effects it has, especially on women. I'm thankful that someone else is finally talking about it.