When relatives come calling
I don’t have much experience, I must admit. Being brought up abroad, for me, relatives were just people whom you take away gifts for, during your visit to India, and in turn, you get to spend some time with them, to sit and laugh, and recall memories no one actually remembers. But what happens when you are done with earning all your dough abroad, and come back… And… one fine beautiful morning, relatives come calling…
Welcome…
Now, that’s one important thing you must do. Pick up them up at the airport or station or bus stand or your doorstep. Carry their luggage for them, irrespective of the fact whether they have goodies in store for you or not. And yes, when they enter your home, greet! Don’t ever forget to do that, you have to say, “Vaango, vaango” or perhaps “Aayeeye aayeeye”, even if you are actually thinking about that sweet time when they’ll be gone.
Goodies...
Like what they bring for you. Perhaps they actually picked it up from that rotten sale that was up to clear out stocks, but whatever, look happy, and tell them that you had actually been waiting to buy something just that color. Later, of course, you can gift it to your maid on diwali or holi or whatever...
Weather…
Sympathize with the heat at their place, unless of course they live in Greenland. Make faces like you feel the heat as they talk about it. Don’t ask them if they have A/Cs and coolers, but ask them about their respite during the cool showers.
Take care of their kid….
Even if you serve them insipid coffee, it pays better to have a specially made chocolate horlicks for their kid. Whether the kid gulps it down like an antibiotic tonic is of no concern, the point is that you have made the proud parents happy.
Take them out sight seeing…
Show them the beauties of your place. Leave all comparisons to them. All you have to do is have a smile, and let them do all the talking and thinking and shopping. And, of course, remember to pay the taxi fare!
Be sad…
When they leave, make a face that people would call “Sad”. You can try crying also, that’s like the jackpot. But the least you can do is, say nice things to them, and make them feel how you would love it if only they stay forever. Remember, overdoing it can be fatal.
Happy Pretending!!!!
Welcome…
Now, that’s one important thing you must do. Pick up them up at the airport or station or bus stand or your doorstep. Carry their luggage for them, irrespective of the fact whether they have goodies in store for you or not. And yes, when they enter your home, greet! Don’t ever forget to do that, you have to say, “Vaango, vaango” or perhaps “Aayeeye aayeeye”, even if you are actually thinking about that sweet time when they’ll be gone.
Goodies...
Like what they bring for you. Perhaps they actually picked it up from that rotten sale that was up to clear out stocks, but whatever, look happy, and tell them that you had actually been waiting to buy something just that color. Later, of course, you can gift it to your maid on diwali or holi or whatever...
Weather…
Sympathize with the heat at their place, unless of course they live in Greenland. Make faces like you feel the heat as they talk about it. Don’t ask them if they have A/Cs and coolers, but ask them about their respite during the cool showers.
Take care of their kid….
Even if you serve them insipid coffee, it pays better to have a specially made chocolate horlicks for their kid. Whether the kid gulps it down like an antibiotic tonic is of no concern, the point is that you have made the proud parents happy.
Take them out sight seeing…
Show them the beauties of your place. Leave all comparisons to them. All you have to do is have a smile, and let them do all the talking and thinking and shopping. And, of course, remember to pay the taxi fare!
Be sad…
When they leave, make a face that people would call “Sad”. You can try crying also, that’s like the jackpot. But the least you can do is, say nice things to them, and make them feel how you would love it if only they stay forever. Remember, overdoing it can be fatal.
Happy Pretending!!!!
Comments
By the saw this is someone you know from College!!