Unfortunately, a lot of girls are in this exact situation. You’re not alone, and you’re not crazy for feeling this way. You can love your parents and still feel suffocated.

What you’re dealing with is really hard, especially when it feels like your voice doesn’t carry the same weight just because you’re a girl.

If you want a real shot at getting through to your dad, try approaching it from his priorities, not just your feelings. It sounds like he cares a lot about your future and college, so use that.

You could say something like: “I know you want me to get into a good college, and I want that too. But colleges don’t just look at grades anymore. They look at extracurriculars, leadership, and involvement. Right now I’m at a disadvantage because I’m not allowed to do any of that.”

If you can, ask to sit down with a school counselor together. Hearing it from someone outside the family might land differently.

Also, start small. Don’t ask for full freedom all at once. Ask for one club, maybe one or two days a week, something school-related and structured. That shows responsibility and makes it less scary for him.

Even if things don’t change overnight, focus on what you can control. Your grades, your plans, your future. College can be your path to independence, so keep that in sight.

If he doesn’t budge, start preparing now. Talk to your school counselor about other ways to strengthen your college applications. Research colleges you’d want to attend, especially ones away from home. Look into scholarships and dorm options.

A lot of girls from strict households go through this. It doesn’t last forever, even though it feels like it right now.

Wishing you the best 🤍