There was this viral video not too long ago about a muslim woman chastising hijabis for loosening their scarves and showing their neck during the summer. She was going on about how, despite living in Arizona(!!), she still made sure to cover everything. She came off very judgmental the whole time. … I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if she did. Also, why are people so concerned with whether hijab is a "journey" or not?
Let’s talk about the bold move of taking off the hijab. It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a life-altering decision that can leave you feeling both liberated and terrified. Recently, a Reddit user, who we’ll affectionately refer to as Lanky Emu (because why not?), shared her experience of coming clean to her family about her decision to stop wearing the hijab after four years. Spoiler alert: it went better than expected!
Now, for those who don’t know, the hijab is a headscarf worn by many Muslim women as a part of their religious beliefs. It can also be a symbol of identity, culture, and personal choice. But for Lanky Emu, the hijab had become a reminder of her disconnect with her faith. She’s been navigating the tricky waters of family expectations and personal beliefs, which is like trying to swim with one arm tied behind your back while dodging flying fish—very complicated and slightly ridiculous.
After four years of wearing the hijab, Lanky Emu decided it was time for a change. She still wore it around her family, possibly as a peace offering or maybe just to avoid the “What will the neighbors think?” conversation. But eventually, she mustered the courage to tell her mom that she had taken it off. And guess what? It wasn’t the dramatic scene you might expect. No fainting couches or accusations of being disowned (at least not yet!). Instead, it was a surprisingly calm conversation, which is a win in any family dynamic.
Now, here’s where it gets spicy: Lanky Emu is ready to embrace her agnostic identity fully, but her family still thinks she’s on the Muslim train. They expect her to marry a Muslim man, which is like expecting a cat to fetch. Not gonna happen! She’s got other plans—like saving up to move out and live her best life. And honestly, who can blame her? She’s found freedom in her choice, even if it means navigating the tricky waters of family expectations.
And speaking of freedom, let’s not forget the glorious edit she made about her dinner choice: In-N-Out burger, extra veg and cold cheese. Now that’s a meal that screams independence! It’s like she’s shouting, “I’ve taken off the hijab, and now I’m taking on the world—one cheeseburger at a time!”
Of course, the journey doesn’t end here. Lanky Emu is still keeping her agnostic beliefs under wraps, waiting for the right moment to reveal them to her family. It’s a strategic move, one that many people in similar situations can relate to. Sometimes, it’s just easier to keep the peace until you’re ready to rock the boat. And let’s be real, who wants to add “family drama” to their to-do list when you’re busy figuring out your own life?
In a world where societal and familial expectations can feel suffocating, Lanky Emu’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to carve your own path, even if it means making tough choices. Whether it’s taking off a hijab or indulging in a burger, the journey to self-discovery is often filled with unexpected twists and delicious detours. So here’s to Lanky Emu and her newfound freedom—may her future be filled with love, laughter, and lots of extra cold cheese.
Inspired by: “I came clean about taking off the hijab” (r/GirlDinnerDiaries)