Our elders can be many things, and sometimes, being unreasonable is one of them. If you’ve grown up in a middle-class Indian household, you’ve probably encountered some strange practices that seem to defy logic. From not washing hair on Tuesdays to not cutting nails on Wednesdays, the list goes on.
Here are 10 bizarre habits our elders follow that we’ll never understand.
1. Comparing Children
No matter what you achieve, Sharma Ji’s son will always be better. Got a job at NASA? Sharma Ji’s son is already on the moon. Our families rarely celebrate our uniqueness and are quick to criticize, but slow to appreciate.
2. Saving Crockery for Special Occasions
That fancy silverware, those exquisite cups, and the beautiful carpet from the trade fair? They all go straight into a trunk labelled “Only for special occasions.” The irony is that these special occasions rarely come, and the items end up unused and wasted.
3. Separate Utensils for House Helps
This discriminatory practice involves serving water or tea to house helps in different crockery, isolating them from regular utensils. Elders might not realize it, but it’s deeply unfair.
4. Relatives Giving Unsolicited Advice
Just got married? “Why don’t you have kids yet?” Quit your job because your husband is earning? These are just a few examples of unwanted advice from distant relatives who can’t keep their wisdom to themselves.
5. The Cookie Jar with Old Buttons
You find a cookie jar and open it, excited for a snack, only to discover old buttons, threads, and needles. It’s like our elders enjoy playing with our feelings and relishing our disappointment.
6. Worrying About What Others Will Think
“Kuch to log kahenge” (People will talk!) is a phrase that guides many decisions. Elders are often more concerned about societal opinions than their children’s happiness, even though society is rarely there in tough times.
7. Inviting Distant Relatives to Weddings
Ever met a complete stranger at a family wedding who claims to be your distant aunt or uncle? Our parents feel the need to invite everyone from the family tree, which unnecessarily inflates the wedding budget.
8. Not Cutting Nails on Certain Days
Does it make sense? No! But elders insist on not cutting nails on Saturdays, Tuesdays, or at night. Questioning this practice will get you a lecture about respecting your forefathers.
9. No Hair Washing on Tuesdays and Thursdays
This rule typically applies only to women. Men in the house can wash their hair anytime, but women face restrictions because… well, because elders said so.
10. Pressuring Daughters to Get Married
When a son turns 28, he gets congratulated and encouraged in his career. When a daughter turns 25, she gets marriage proposals as birthday gifts. Elders will pester her until she reluctantly agrees to marry.
Our elders have some peculiar habits that leave us scratching our heads. While respecting their wisdom is important, sometimes it’s okay to question these traditions and embrace more logical practices.