I have known for a while now that I have C-PTSD. Today something reminded me of how my Dad tried to control my dating life and tried to force me into arranged marriage. People usually do say that you have the option to say no and you have choice but the truth is for most Indian parent's that's just lip service.
It's pretty common to try everything from blackmail, manipulation and shaming to get the guy or especially girl to agree to marry. In my family on the surface I had the choice but it was implied, "don't you dare say no" or I am not actually asking or even care. People have no idea what consent is. It was so traumatising for me even passing reference to parents being involved in dating life is triggering to me, even if it's my sister's, even though the situation is very different.
I felt anxious the whole day. I hope one day I can leave this behind.
