Before you proceed, let me tell you that the middle class world is a different world than yours. Yes, you read that right – it’s a whole new world.
The problem is not with society or those who surround you. These are the same people we grew up with and did not mind spending all our weekends around them. But then you move out, or you acquire the freedom of opinion. That is when things take a turn. You see all that you had been warned about and much more. It transforms you, as an individual you find a voice and a sense of freedom to know things your own way and learn.
And you get in touch with people who have been doing this all their life. It amazes you that people actually have a say in their own lives more than others do. All of it builds a bubble wherein you start to feel that may be this is the way things should have been and it was wrong all along. You should have been given a say in all the things around you. You tend to question it all.
And when you go back to the same old world you came from, you are bewildered by the contrast. A sense of comparison sets in. Our fathers have grown up with a particular line of thinking (be it about society, religion, politics or career) for over five decades now. That’s how its been for them. At times you cringe at the completely different thought process that’s going on. You question but don’t have the courage to speak, because you know it would lead to a series of arguments and a narration of that you will have to nod along to.
Our mothers have seen just one way of living, and that is for others. They know no other way but to live a life full of hope… for others.
It is never about right or wrong, it’s about people who matter. Our parents they are the best version of themselves and we must always remember it’s their first time as parents too. Don’t expect perfection, but they are the best you’ve got. I’m aware how middle class this will sound, everything they do, they do for you. Or as you will hear soon, “jeete to woh humare liye hi hai.”