In Japanese culture, when you reach 20 you are officially considered an adult. Cities across Japan have "Coming of Age" ceremonies where 20-year olds would dress up in formal attire or traditional Japanese clothing to attend.

This was over six years ago, but being in the U.S. at the time I had no ceremony to go to. Still, my parents and I decided it would be nice for me to dress up anyway for a family photo shoot.

Putting on a furisode (long-sleeved kimono) or any kimono is a complicated art form impossible for amateurs to do. Fortunately for me, my best friend's mom happened to be certified, and she offered to dress me free of charge.

As she was tying the stings around my waist, she said:

"Serina, you have the perfect body type for kimonos! You're going to look so good."

My genuine smile froze as she continued,

"They've always said people with a flat chest and no waist are ideal. It's such a struggle to dress my daughter...."

-_____________________________-

I died a little inside that day, but I still managed to smile for the camera.