We've all been there.

You know, when your friends decide to make last-minute plans,

but you can't go because it takes at least two business days to convince your parents.

You're listening to Unsween and Unfilter the podcast, episode 36 of Season 2.

In today's episode, we sit down with Zana Bejwa to discuss the topic of growing up sheltered,

the long-term effects of it,

and what exactly is codependency?

Hello, everyone. We are getting close to the end of the year, and I thought, what better

conversation to have

than the one about growing up sheltered. For some of us, this could be a very triggering topic.

It brings back blissful memories of our parents just basically saying no to everything without

even a valid explanation. I'm telling you guys, I used to stand in front of a mirror and practice

the speech that I was going to give my parents and they still had the audacity to say no without hesitation. I was also not even allowed to have non-Muslim

friends because my parents literally thought that they would introduce me to drugs, smoking,

you name it, I know. Going to the mall with my friends, that was laughable to even think

that was possible. I didn't even have a cell phone until I was 18, and sleepovers

were a big no-no. Listen, I can honestly go on and on, but now when I look back at these moments,

I laugh and feel a little sorry for my younger self. But kudos to her for trying. Now, fast forward

to adulthood, more so navigating life in my 30s, I often wonder what effects growing up sheltered

has had on me. Now, don't get me wrong, I had an amazing childhood, and I absolutely loved

and appreciated my parents. But the bulk of my life's pain points really lied in the transition

phase from being a teenager to becoming an adult who has her own car, job, and goes to college.

...