How much influence do you have in your family's decisions ??
By himzey
@himzey (1321)
India
August 13, 2011 11:44pm CST
Hi Lotters !!
Every member of the family has some influence or the other in the decisions taken. Depending on their fields of expertise, their suggestions are often considered in issues like when the family is purchasing some electronic gadgets or is going to have an interior decoration or renovation.
I too play my part as being the techno freak of the pack. Electronic items and gadgets are my area, and when they have to choose between all those confusing names, its time for my grand entrance.
But what happened yesterday night left me shocked. I was utterly surprised to hear that my parents had made a deal for a 32 inch panasonic LCD tv without my knowledge; that too costing around $400. I literally shouted at them about not even bothering to ask me first. I could have arranged for a better and cheaper one, and ofcourse, of a higher brand name like sony or LG . Ultimately I had to influence them so that they may call off the deal. I dont know whats with the elders of family; they tend to go on with the advice of friends and people of their own age but will think 10 times before considering a suggestion from a young chap, even if he has some knowledge regarding the subject. I did save a few bucks but I realized that I gotta work harder to atleast make them consider my suggestions.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@Fragab (128)
• Philippines
14 Aug 11
Oh well, being taken seriously by the elders will take some time and guts...lol. Although it could have been nice if they ask for your opinion, they still have the last say being the elders. Anyway, don't be too hard on these folks. They are just exercising freedom of choice. LOL. It is good that you are keen on making them see things differently.
@himzey (1321)
• India
14 Aug 11
Hey Fragab ! Thanks.
Yup. They are free to choose whichever brand they like, afterall its their money..lol. But it feels bad to see their hard earned money go waste, when you could have saved it. May be you could have had a better cell phone or a ps3 with that extra amount.. ;)
@himzey (1321)
• India
15 Aug 11
True. May be my kids are going to have the same experience as I am now..lol
And yes I did experience the difficulty in seeing them through. I had to convince them, then talk to the dealer to cancel the deal and then arrange for a better LCD.
Huh... a lot to do in a day.
@Fragab (128)
• Philippines
14 Aug 11
I could not agree more. however, as you said, that's their money. I am sure your kids will say the same about you someday. LOL. But then again, it pays to guide them well. Being a good son does not mean that life will be easier, on the contrary, having to see them through may be hard.
@QeeGood (1213)
• Sweden
14 Aug 11
I have some influence in my family. It all depends on what it is about. It happens that I am asked for my opinion. But there are times when I feel that I an run over not knowing anything until afterwards. As it is known communication two ways make life easier and frugal.
@himzey (1321)
• India
15 Aug 11
Hey QG !
You are right. Two way communication makes life easier. And being an Electronic and communication engineer, no one can understand it better than me.. lolz..
But whats annoying is that they don't even bother to ask you for once, even if they have little or nil knowledge in that field.
@ stowky- Ya buddy, more input makes for a better decision. But when all alternatives are equally good, then the choice becomes confusing... lolz :p
@himzey (1321)
• India
14 Aug 11
Hi cudamiani !
Thats a general practice among all families and its really nice of you to consider your family's suggestions. Even if one is not going with what the members have suggested atleast he should have patience to listen to what they have to say. In this way all can be pleased.
@samrat16 (2442)
• India
15 Aug 11
I take their opinions into account. And I acknowledge that I got many of my morals and ethics from them. ( I usually do act in accordance with what they taught me)
But at the end of the day, some decisions are my choices, that I am going to have to live with for the rest of my life. It's a pretty rough life if you can't look in the mirror and like yourself. And I know they love me, and will eventually support my choices, even if they don't always understand them.
@dodo19 (47336)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
15 Aug 11
When it comes to my husband and I, just the two of, I certainly do have some influence on the family's decision. My husband does listen to what I have to say, I listen to his, and we come to a decision together, while keeping in mind what we've said. This is something I appreciate. However, when it came to decisions involving my parents, as a kid, I don't really remember them asking for my opinion when it came to those decisions. Decisions were pretty much made by parents. I'm not saying that they never asked me for my opinion, but I can say that it didn't happen very often.
@himzey (1321)
• India
15 Aug 11
Hey dodo !
May be at that time, choices were limited. So your parents didn't bother to ask you, and if they did, it was just to know whether you have some knowledge regarding that particular item.
Or may be I am mistaken.. :p lolz
Its really good that the two of you, you and your husband, patiently listen to each other, before arriving at a particular decision.
Just one question. After you two have put forward your ideas, whose decisions/suggestions are often accepted as the final one..?? ;)
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
7 Nov 11
Hi himzey, I think you have very understanding parents who have realised that it is better to include every member of the family( especially grown up children who these days seem to have a lot of knowledge) , including minor children while making any kind of major decision .I, as a mother have always relied on my children's judgment/suggestions/advice before deciding on anything that concerns the house.I feel that this is the only way you let your children become responsible while they are still young ...All the best and happy mylotting
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
23 Nov 11
I agree esp with the kind of media exposure we have, children do know more about new products that re relevant to them than parents do! The other day one of my friend was telling me that her daughter who is just 9 knows all about Victoria secret and wanted her to order stuff on line, while she herself dint know much about it lol....the kids thee days are a lot smarter than we ever were
have a nice day !
have a nice day !
@vkatrix (78)
• India
14 Aug 11
Hey himzey...
Family taking advice from you is a good sign!! :)
They listen to you because they know you are knowledgeable in what you are talking about. And that is commendable!!
I'm not at that stage - not even close!! That maybe because the only field I can possibly advise them in is BOOKS! Hahaha :D (or mangas!! lol)
The decisions that I am allowed to take always pertain to me - related to my studies, or my schedule... little things like that.
I'm still in the learning stage - they take my advice AFTER they've take a decision. That's usually to know my viewpoint -and, I guess, to assess whether I'm thinking on the right lines. My father agrees with most of my decisions so I know I'm going right.
I hope I come up to the decision-taking level soon!
Good day! :)
@himzey (1321)
• India
14 Aug 11
Hey Vkatrix !
I am really happy for you. Dont worry, there will soon be a day when they are going to take your advice in most of their decisions. And considering the fact that you are about to join in MNC, that day is coming soon.. :p But before that you gotta prove your wits to them. As I mentioned in my discussion, elders rarely take the advice of kids, as far as I've experienced. Dont know why, may be they are unaware of our knowledge in that particular area, may be they often underestimate us, or may be its ego which forbids them from doing so. They've been taking their own decisions long before the time we were born. So its like "a kid ain't gonna tell me whats good for me".. :p
I do agree that "books" are your expertise. I've read your poems and your narrative style is vivid. That what makes me like it. Manga is another thing we are in common with. I too can advice them to chose a manga, and even you know it well, the name of the ones I am going to suggest..lolz..
