How to break the news to my restrict mom? (Taking iff my hijab)
Hi everyone,
Please bear with me while I explain my situation.
I’ve been wearing the hijab for 15 years..basically half my life. It wasn’t my choice; my mother insisted on it. My mother is extremely strict. My sister once said she wanted to remove her hijab, and my mother told her she would cut her off completely and never speak to her again. I genuinely believe she meant it. She has the ability to completely distance herself if we do anything she strongly disapproves of.
On top of that, she cares a lot about reputation and what others think. She tends to see us as a reflection of her image..almost like something to be proud of or display, rather than individuals with independent choices.
Four years ago, I moved to Europe. The lifestyle here is very different, and I started questioning things almost immediately. Right now, I wear the hijab part-time, but my mother has no idea. Through my own reading and reflection, I’ve come to believe that head covering is not necessary for me.
Now I’m stuck. I don’t know how to tell my mother without losing her. I’m almost certain she will react strongly..
cut contact, insult me, and consider the relationship over. A big part of it would likely come from fear of judgment from family and community.
I don’t want to lose my relationship with my mother, but I also can’t keep living in constant internal conflict and losing myself.
Any advice?
TLDR: I was forced to wear hijab growing up, now I live in Europe and no longer believe it’s necessary for me. I want to stop wearing it, but I’m afraid my strict mother will cut me off and end our relationship when i tell her.
I need to tell her so i feel comfortable and free and not hiding something core like that.