Embracing Auntyhood

Caution: This is a girly/ girl-centric post.

I open my cupboard.
Do I see designer tops? No.
Do I see tight jeans? No.
I see Cotton Salwars.
Millions and millions of cotton salwars, photocopied.
Stashed in my cupboard like the nuts a squirrel stores in winter.
People had warned me about this stage. This general apathy toward appearance. This lowest of lows in lethargy. This picking of comfort over style. But I paid no heed. And then, when he looked me in the eye and said those three words, my heart just broke.
"Aunty, please move," the ten year old boy said.

Aunty. That word has been terrorising Indian women since the dawn of time. It is supposed to be a term used for Father's sister/ Mother's sister. In actual usage, it refers to any woman who looks old. And by old I mean any woman who doesn't look young enough to be called sister, akka,chechi, didi. Aunty becomes associated authority/nuisance.In this society, wearing clothes that are not considered stylish can make one an aunty. A bit smug for a society where modesty is revered. Women have been recorded as having low-self esteem thanks to the use of this derogatory term. It has led to widespread panic, the symptoms of which are carrying kajal in the purse and substituting sensible shoes for stilettos.

Here are three factors that show how women decide what to wear:
1. Heat- Temperature can make skinny jeans unbearable. You want ventilation, loose clothes !

2.Transport- Am I taking the local bus which may or may not have creepy guys staring? Or am I taking the car. Would I have to walk a lot?

3.Impress- Friend, lover,general public. If there is someone to impress, she will (more often than not) bear the discomfort of looking good.

Though Cotton Salwars and I are frenemies, I have learnt to embrace my inner aunty. Sure, dressing well does make me happy but what makes me happier is wearing something non- torturous. The heat, lack of a person to impress and my general demeanour makes sure that I genuinely don't give a fuck about what people think.

So women. Wear a patiala and be liberated.
Or just wear what ever you like without worrying about the social stereotype it puts you under.

Also been published here.