Family gatherings are meant for laughter, cake, and cherished memories, but sometimes, they can turn unexpectedly awkward. A recent Reddit post by an Indian man has highlighted just how casually some relatives discuss salaries and personal finances during seemingly innocent family events.
From Birthday Cheer to Salary Shock
The Reddit user, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared that he attended a small family gathering in Suraj Vihar for his cousin’s son’s second birthday. “It was a pretty normal setup. Just close family, food, casual conversation,” he wrote.
However, the warm, celebratory atmosphere quickly took a turn. Within minutes of exchanging greetings, one of his uncles asked, “Toh beta, abhi kitna kama lete ho?”, a question about his current earnings. Initially, he dodged the inquiry with a vague reply: “Bas pet paani ho jaata hai, uncle.”
Yet, the persistent questioning, coupled with some light-hearted teasing about his belly and cheeks, led him to reveal his salary: around 60 LPA. Almost immediately, he regretted letting the cat out of the bag.
The Sweet and Sour Turn
What started as congratulations quickly became a full-blown interrogation. “One of them got really cheerful, congratulated me, and fed me a gulab jamun saying, ‘Muu meetha karoo beta!’” he wrote. But the sweetness soon faded.
The relatives launched into a series of personal questions: How much do you save? Where do you invest? Do you own a flat or rent? What car do you drive? Are you planning to move abroad? And, in a surprising turn, one uncle even asked about potential marriage prospects: “Beta, ek ladki hai. Bahut acchi hai. Shaadi ka socha hai kya?”
The man reflected, “How did we go from a child’s birthday party to an impromptu financial review and potential arranged marriage pitch?”
Cultural Attitudes and Family Boundaries
While the man admitted he did not believe his uncles meant to be intrusive, the experience left him uneasy. “In their minds, I think this is how they show interest. Maybe it’s even pride. But at the same time, it just made me feel deeply uncomfortable.”
He noted that topics like salary, personal finances, and marriage, which many consider private, are often discussed casually in Indian family settings. Attempting to avoid answering these questions can be interpreted as rude or evasive, further adding to the pressure.
Online Reactions to the Salary Revelation
The Reddit post, titled “Why is it so normal for Indian uncles to ask about salary like it’s casual conversation?”, garnered significant attention online.
Some users highlighted cultural reasoning behind such inquiries. One commented, “So they can calculate the amount of respect they should give to you.” Another added, “They only do it to confirm their son or daughter earns more than you. This is one of their ways to satisfy their small little egos.”
Others offered practical advice. One commenter said, “Next time just say nahi bataunga. I did this and the questions stopped.” Another pointed out that salary is just the tip of the iceberg, noting, “Just salary? They ask about age, marital status, blah blah blah.”
The story resonates with many young professionals navigating traditional family expectations. While family curiosity often comes from a place of pride or concern, the casualness with which private matters are discussed can make individuals uncomfortable.
The Reddit user’s experience highlights the delicate balance between familial interest and personal boundaries. As many have pointed out, it’s possible to assert privacy politely without causing offence, though it can take practice, especially in a culture where questions about salary, investments, and marriage are seen as normal conversation starters.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
From Birthday Cheer to Salary Shock
The Reddit user, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared that he attended a small family gathering in Suraj Vihar for his cousin’s son’s second birthday. “It was a pretty normal setup. Just close family, food, casual conversation,” he wrote.
However, the warm, celebratory atmosphere quickly took a turn. Within minutes of exchanging greetings, one of his uncles asked, “Toh beta, abhi kitna kama lete ho?”, a question about his current earnings. Initially, he dodged the inquiry with a vague reply: “Bas pet paani ho jaata hai, uncle.”
Yet, the persistent questioning, coupled with some light-hearted teasing about his belly and cheeks, led him to reveal his salary: around 60 LPA. Almost immediately, he regretted letting the cat out of the bag.
The Sweet and Sour Turn
What started as congratulations quickly became a full-blown interrogation. “One of them got really cheerful, congratulated me, and fed me a gulab jamun saying, ‘Muu meetha karoo beta!’” he wrote. But the sweetness soon faded.
The relatives launched into a series of personal questions: How much do you save? Where do you invest? Do you own a flat or rent? What car do you drive? Are you planning to move abroad? And, in a surprising turn, one uncle even asked about potential marriage prospects: “Beta, ek ladki hai. Bahut acchi hai. Shaadi ka socha hai kya?”
The man reflected, “How did we go from a child’s birthday party to an impromptu financial review and potential arranged marriage pitch?”
Cultural Attitudes and Family Boundaries
While the man admitted he did not believe his uncles meant to be intrusive, the experience left him uneasy. “In their minds, I think this is how they show interest. Maybe it’s even pride. But at the same time, it just made me feel deeply uncomfortable.”
He noted that topics like salary, personal finances, and marriage, which many consider private, are often discussed casually in Indian family settings. Attempting to avoid answering these questions can be interpreted as rude or evasive, further adding to the pressure.
Online Reactions to the Salary Revelation
The Reddit post, titled “Why is it so normal for Indian uncles to ask about salary like it’s casual conversation?”, garnered significant attention online.
Some users highlighted cultural reasoning behind such inquiries. One commented, “So they can calculate the amount of respect they should give to you.” Another added, “They only do it to confirm their son or daughter earns more than you. This is one of their ways to satisfy their small little egos.”
Others offered practical advice. One commenter said, “Next time just say nahi bataunga. I did this and the questions stopped.” Another pointed out that salary is just the tip of the iceberg, noting, “Just salary? They ask about age, marital status, blah blah blah.”
The story resonates with many young professionals navigating traditional family expectations. While family curiosity often comes from a place of pride or concern, the casualness with which private matters are discussed can make individuals uncomfortable.
The Reddit user’s experience highlights the delicate balance between familial interest and personal boundaries. As many have pointed out, it’s possible to assert privacy politely without causing offence, though it can take practice, especially in a culture where questions about salary, investments, and marriage are seen as normal conversation starters.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
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