Struggles Of Growing Up As An Introverted Latina
Many of us grew up surrounded by confident, proud and very loud Latinas, which is a beautiful thing to behold. While the caricature of an outspoken Latina doing the shimmy and leading a conga line is true on many occasions, some of us cringe at the idea of being the center of attention and prefer to stay on the sidelines. In other words, your fam probably tortures you for being an introverted Latina…
1. Hearing the words “ya te la paso” when your mom is on the phone is a nightmare.
When Hispanic Parents want you to "Talk To Relative" on the Phone. #TeamLeJuan
A post shared by LeJuan James (@lejuanjames) on
You struggle to find the words to keep a solid conversation going.
2. You are not the Sofia Vergara at the party…
…and are more like the chill Aubrey Plaza avoiding small talk at the corner table.
CREDIT: NBC/PARKS & REC
3. If you don’t like dancing, you will be met with shock and worry.
CREDIT: FOX/AMERICAN IDOL
Tíos will always attempt to take you out to the dance floor, and your mom will say a prayer and hope you can get through life as non-dancing Latina. Hopefully, you’ll be able to keep our Latina card! *eye roll*
4. The idea of an over-the-top quinceañera gave you anxiety like no other.
CREDIT: DISNEY/ SONNY WITH A CHANCE
A massive dress, spotlight and a choreographed dance in front of 29,573 people? No, thank you.
5. You’ve probably been called creida just because you’re quiet.
CREDIT: MTV
Don’t be offended, most aren’t worth talking to anyway.
6. “Y el novio?” becomes an existential crisis.
CREDIT: FOX/ NEW GIRL
Like, it’s hard enough trying to figure out this situation, how does anyone expect for you to talk about this openly?
7. Even though people know you’re shy, you’re expected to small talk with every distant relative/primo/family friend/vecino.
being an introverted latina is v v v v v difficult because when people come over they come in bunches and everyone is sO loud
— anais (@anais_cim) November 14, 2015
Cue flight or fight.
8. Your family will always find ways to roast you or put you on the spot for your shyness.
CREDIT: CW/ JANE THE VIRGIN
Mom will ask you why you don’t talk more, por qué no saludas a todo mundo, or simply WHY you’re so shy.
9. “Ya saludastes a todos?” is what you heard most in your childhood.
-Hija, ¿saludaste a todos?
– pic.twitter.com/AtD9UnRmlL— Andrea Robles (@SoloPlastica) December 26, 2015
Because smiling and waving in the general direction of the crowd will never be enough.
10. Most women prefer the chisme, while you usually try to tune out behind your book and headphones.
…Because who cares who your cousin is dating??
11. You hear “Que te pasa?” all. the. time.
Can’t a girl just observe and live in peace?
12. You don’t speak loud or feel comfortable being in the center of the room…
CREDIT: CBS/ LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT
…but you make our presence known by being a quiet, charming, sometimes awkward Latina. There are enough loud people to go around anyway. ;P
READ: How To Not Be Shy Around Your Crush
What else did you experience while growing up as a shy Latina? Let us know!
