Family Politics

irf77
By irf77

Hi all,

I am presenting you all a senario with a friend of mine and seek your expert openions.
basically in asian, pakistan, india culter normally people are very reluctant to share their actual salries, income details, if they enter into new ventures, such as buying property it is kept conifdetial from relatibves, even bro sisters, etc... my freid brong and bough up in GCC normally ignore these things and during his recent job promotions etc, he has shared with all parents, bros sister and even with some relatives his promotion details etc, while they are all happy, he started to feel that it is better as most people say to keep this things under the hood,

recent incident happend as follow,

he has moved to differnet country & proper to move he shared approx. 35% of his younger bro marriage cost, his bro also is on job for few years, he gave this to his bro as weedding gift, thtean his bro wanted the new car after marriage, he gave him 60% of car price as interst free loan, than they are building one family home, where both bro are suppose to have equal contribution, since his other bro was bit under the snow he has contributed additional monies and gave some good grace period to his bro to caught up... so the latest incident is during his move to other country, he told his bro to keep all the stuff that he may want for his new home and rest will be sold.

so his bro, kept some stuff, cooking range, washing machine, tv etc, rest futnure was sold and some other house hold for sold for 3 k, after selling he asked his bro if these are said, bro said yes he said ok please depoist the money in my account, as all furnture was paid by elder bro although younger bro was also living in the same house, but did not paid for household stuff which was bourgh in past.

ok so far so goood, but than his mother poined him and told him that we had though that the 3 k for futnure will also be kept by younger bro rather than giving elder bro, who had paid for this in past, the elder bro said... that he do nto recall saying that younger bro will keep the money but he said he can keep any furniture he may like, rest will be sold and elder bro will keep the money, then elder bro said to hsi mother, ok if mother feel that younger bro should also keep the money no problem, he may keep, he said this as normal tone, than mother said ok, you talk to your younger bro later and let him know.

well, my friend now thinks reason he is being pushed so much is becuase he is earing more around 23 K while his younger bro is also not bad, he is at 13 K, so this is why his mother is now pushing more funds towardser younger bro.... and king of ignoring elder bro becuase his income is more.

while i feel there is no harm in sharing love and money with your parents, bro sisters relatives but to push on in this way take awas the charm.

so back to question, should he had not shared his exact incoming or actually told very low and continue to cry wolf, that his expense are more he may not get such pushes from near or far relatives.....

Please share yoru thoughs on these topics as among all culuters, what are the trends in Arab, asians, europions??? also what is right and wrong in this senario?

Cheers, Irf.

By Fatcat• 31 May 2008 01:58
Fatcat

In my family we share such details, but no one expects any financial help from the other siblings. Gosh, not even my mom would expect anything from us but love.

By flanostu• 31 May 2008 01:25
flanostu

irf77, didn't read the thread.....too long. Do you have a sister.

By irf77• 31 May 2008 01:12
irf77

well, just read the post from the start

By harsha• 30 May 2008 23:39
harsha

why shud you hide it from your family?

By irf77• 30 May 2008 21:34
irf77

I agree honesty is the best policy, i have also seen people who be honest and help others, ALLAH give them 10 times more or even lot more and people who keep on making stories, although temp save a little but they remain in this vicious circule their entire life, but on behalf of parents they should treat all with equal this is also important this just rasie unncessary mis understanding between parties. i think, regards

By infinitl2008• 30 May 2008 21:03
Rating: 4/5
infinitl2008

Family comes first,

Respect of Mom and Day

Then your self and you brothers and sisters,

All should be self aware of money issues,

yet when it comes to time of real need,

What is Family for anyhow in the end,

Still each ahve thier own way,

Some open handed som mean,

That is life,

Let him try once to say NO and see the reaction,

then he will know if it is a family matter or just

" give me give me giveme issue"

Math 4 All

By qatman• 30 May 2008 20:41
qatman

rdsouza please don't read such things, Honesty is the best policy.

By rdsouza• 30 May 2008 20:34
rdsouza

I had read somewhere on this forum " it is dangerous to be honest unless you are also stupid....

By britexpat• 30 May 2008 19:01
Rating: 4/5
britexpat

This is a cultural issue and can't be put aside. In Asia, the elders are expected to take care of the younger ones. I think he should have stood his ground, but it is probably too late now..

By irf77• 30 May 2008 18:57
irf77

yeh, sure mother order is good, the lesson that we are trying to understand how to avoid such senario from future as this is not the first time that one child is taken higer status than other.

By rbakali• 30 May 2008 18:55
Rating: 5/5
rbakali

The issue is money..... love and relationship live....

I believe that Mother's order shall win.... 3k is nothing.

Normally this much amount is spent on a single party.

Just forget about the money keep relationship and family ties....

Next time be realistic when spending money

By irf77• 30 May 2008 18:43
Rating: 5/5
irf77

yes, this is what i though what european etc would do beucase you guys are straight forwader yes it may hurt temporary but longer run avoid hassel and keep the expectations in line.

but in our culture is more diplomatic this is why people a) do not share these details,

b) if they earn say 10 k they will say we earn 4 K

c) always cry that our expense are more and incoming is less so no one can ask

d) do things and keeep them hidden where money is involved like purchasing property...

i guess i am answering my own questions as i go along wub twill wait for peopel's feedback,

By anonymous• 30 May 2008 18:36
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

ir77, yes you are correct- we never involve family like this. We take care of it on our own, at leat Northern Europeans do.

Difficult to give advice not knowing your customs. I would have told them straight out and I would have once and for all told what the future would bring. It would probably been a great dissapointment for all, but it would at least saved future hassles.

By irf77• 30 May 2008 18:27
irf77

i c,.. so i was under the impession that normally it is more straight forward with europeans, i.e. even if they know finanical condition of others, if someone wnat to help, ok but no one can be forced, is this correct?

what could have my friend done to avoid this? and what are your all recommendation that he could avoid to fix his situation or lower people's expectations. espically his mother adn others,

By anonymous• 30 May 2008 18:22
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

I think he was plain stupid, but what do I know being an Ignorant European.

No european would share anything and not divulge any details about salary or anything else.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.