Dina.
Great article.. but I think there can be a counter article in play here too .. ``The Burden of the Muslim Women`` perhaps.

I dont this is fair to say:
``But then I realized that he did not have the character, spirit and integrity that my parents had told me to look for. If he had, he would have realized that I am a woman before I am white, with feelings, dreams and hopes of my own. ``

You havent seen the world that we come from. In our culture what he did was respectable. Our parents and thier wishes come before us.. not to mention religion is a great part of our life and its not fair for you to give yours up for someone else who cant marry you until you are muslim.

Grant it..if he knew that he couldnt marry you there was no point of a four year relationship, or a relationship at all.....

The younger generation is not racist my dear, but forced by the love of our parents, culture, religion.. and our personal love comes in 2nd to that.

I also want to consider something, maybe not right now becuase you are emotional but when you are calmer and can thing rationaly.
Imagine if you did get married... what impact would that have on your kids? How confused would they be between your religion and Islam, the American culture and Pakistani? How do you think they would feel when they visited thier grandparents back in Pakistan and couldnt relate to them? Or if they didnt visit at all.. what answer would you have to the endless questions?

Dear, I personalyy would like to apologize for what he did.. because like you said...before I am Pakistani, I am a mulsim... and a guy once left me too because he had to marry who his mom wanted...and we were both muslim and Paki..

time heals all wounds..
love,
maria

Living Abroad Waqar.. I agree with you.. but I dont think I would be of too much assitance to anyone until I am complete myself...being completed to me is completeing my education and returning home as an asset not liability..


Inshahallah.. pray for the day. :)

FOB (Fresh Off the Boat) interesting...
sad....

Living Abroad AAmir, I think your reading between the lines a bit to much.
My profile is a little something about me.. it isnt me...

I am living in the US and I am happy..not because Im living here but due to other things.. family, my sig. other... to name a few..

I do however want to retreat back home after I`m done in school...
Just because I dont have 100% of everything doesn`t mean I cant be happy or content.. and because I`m content doesnt mean that there arent`t things that I would like to better..

my opinion to you.. dont just an entir person by a few lines in the profile. :)


#74... aweseome shiar yaarra.. been looking for it for a while now...

Living Abroad Salaam Zerim,
This was an incredible article. Normally, people from the 3rd party view will always write about how they THINK like abroad is.. but you really captured the truth and emotion of people. It was as if you were talking from my heart... Incredible work!! Two thumps up...

Wish you nothing but the best back home. When you go back to Pakistan.. mera Salam kehna..

Love and best wishes,
Maria Tarar