Our Parents

We are all taught since our childhood to respect our elders, specially our parents. We must listen to them & obey every command. "Parents always do every thing for your good!"

As we grow up, we see the world around us. We learn new things, watch the latest trends & the changing society. Our mind opens up to things that our parents never told us or experienced themselves. The generation gap plays a big role in the same.

Gradually we start making our own decisions & wish that our parents would respect them. But, how often have we come across a situation when our decisions & statements were disrespected by our parents & made fun of. They have a different point of view when you are 10 and have different understanding of your school, friends & teachers. Also when your are 15 & they don't understand why you need a certain gadget or need to hang out with your friends, because you are just a teenager.Then you turn 20 and live by yourself and they still make sure of the people you befriend & the places you visit. By the time you are 25, you begin to hope that now they would think of you as an adult & that you can decide about matters that concern you. But that is just a wish down the drain.

Even when we are adults, our parents expect us to discuss with them trivial issues as booking tickets, going out with friends, the kind of food we consume.

When was the last time your parents made fun of you or insulted you in front of your peers or their friends? Well, it can't be that far away. They remind you constantly that you should be thankful to them for every thing they have done for you & you should always put in efforts to bring a smile to their faces.

But how many times do our parents realize that by the constant nagging & humiliation they bring innumerable tears to the eyes of their children. Why is it that for arguments sake we become adults, but when it comes to any of our wish to be ruled out, we turn into children, who cannot think straight even if we are adults to the real world?

Smiles & Silences

 "A smile is the universal welcome" - Max Eastman

When you check- in into a hotel, the Front desk associate gives you a warm smile & welcomes you. But, do you really think that smile comes from her heart. A majority of the chances stand against it. Its just a part of her job to smile at every guest, although she may have just broken-up with her boyfriend of 3 years & is miserable in her heart.

Similarly, when you ask your friend, if you can borrow their favorite dress, she may smile and hand it over to you, even though she hates sharing it with anybody.

When a husband tells his wife, that he won't be home for the anniversary celebrations as he has to go out of town for an important business deal, she smiles and bids him adieu, even though she wishes he dint have to go.

All the above instances show us that how a person's smile may not really be the true depiction of what is actually going on in their minds & hearts. People smile as a part of respect or duty or obligation, to keep the other person happy.

If a husband & wife are having an argument, the wife may remain silent instead of aggravating the issue, but it doesn't mean she agrees to her husband.

It is often the subordinate who remains silent, while the Boss justifies himself right. Doesn't mean that the subordinate considers himself wrong.

If a guest blames the Steward at a restaurant for no parking space around the outlet, the Server can choose silence, as that's an argument he surely won't win.

A silence is often an option a person chooses when he doesn't wish to openly express his real views regarding Right/Wrong. A silence gives the speaker an opportunity to presume that the listener agrees to him. It therefore reduces conflict & cuts down on the tension and negative environment.

Smiles & Silences may not necessarily mean what the observer perceives of them. However, they are often the easy & polite way out. It is better to smile & pretend to agree rather than breaking a heart with your words.

However, one should not resort to Smiles & Silences at all instances of conflicts & discussions & demands. It is important to not be a "Push-over", to not let people walk all over you all the time. Beacuse then there are chances that you may loose your real voice!!!