Keeping an open house ?

@kiran8 (15348)
Mangalore, India
September 14, 2017 3:31am CST
In India the tradition has been to keep an open house at all times so that relatives and friends can freely visit each other at their convenience and since most households in the olden days had the joint family system , there were plenty of people around and plenty of food too. There are some villages and small towns where this system is still practiced. It is also true that some people don't want to change with times. They don't realise that in today's scenario where both the couple work, it is not possible to be available all the time . Last week I had a very annoying experience with one of my relatives . At 11 am he called me .. 'Where are you ? I am waiting at your doorstep ? I asked ' Have you come home? He replied ..Of course ! Anyway, I was at the bank and left in a hurry without finishing my work because he had come from anther smaller town. When I reached home he simply nodded his head without a smile . Later, he asked me quite rudely I felt .. ' I thought you work part time so where did you go now ? I thought it was better not to tell him anything knowing his mentality. I had to cook more rice and dhal and we had lunch while he spoke about his own family etc ...As he was leaving I politely requested him to call me before he leaves his home , the next time he plans to visit us. He sarcastically told me that I had changed with all the new ideas seeping into the society. I Said yes I have changed and again told him firmly to call me at least a day or two before planning to visit me which he did not take well, but that is his problem. Not all relatives are the same, some of them are so very nice and accommodating but many others fall into this category.. I guess it takes time to change ones mindset , but in the meantime we go through these highly annoying situations...
7 people like this
10 responses
@Nawsheen (28643)
• Mauritius
14 Sep 17
Unfortunately not everyone can understand. Things have changed. Life is hectic nowadays.
2 people like this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
14 Sep 17
Absolutely ! For some people living in villages time has stood still or they like to think that way..
1 person likes this
@m_audrey6788 (58472)
• Germany
14 Sep 17
I`m so speechless about things like that because in my family in the Philippines most of them are really helping each other in times of hardship eventhough they also having some financial difficulty as long as they can share a little with their siblings..They will wholeheartedly do their best to help you but of course they are not perfect, They will still questions you and tells you to please! try to handle your life soon, some they will recommend you to get a job
1 person likes this
• Germany
14 Sep 17
@kiran8 ..That`s hard because not all of us can reach others good lifestyle
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
14 Sep 17
@m_audrey6788 Yes that's where understanding comes in
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
14 Sep 17
Even here there is a very close bond and people go all out to help within the family circle. The relative I was referring too would go all out to make me feel welcome if I were to visit him without calling him before hand because his life circumstances are different. He has his parents living with him, his wife is at home and they have a cook and maids ...He expects others do the same !
1 person likes this
@velvet53 (22534)
• Palisade, Colorado
29 Sep 17
My family either tells me they are headed my way or will call and ask if I am home. Both of my sons has a key to my place in case they need to get something when I am not home. I feel that people should let one know if they are coming from out of town and not assume that we will be there all the time.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
29 Sep 17
I agree , however my own children and husband are all the time in touch even if they go out for a couple of hours. It is the other relatives who don't bother with this minor courtesy of calling before visiting . It would be so much more practical and harmonious..
1 person likes this
@velvet53 (22534)
• Palisade, Colorado
1 Oct 17
@kiran8 They need to respect your wishes and let you know that you are coming. You don't have to sit home wondering if someone is going to come by. And you sure don't need to run home when you are doing errands or something.
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
14 Sep 17
Best thing .. ignore them . don't he understand , it's not village and we should be cautious.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
15 Sep 17
Sadly they not only don't understand but feel insulted when they find the door locked..
1 person likes this
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
15 Sep 17
@kiran8 hah . that's really so sad..
1 person likes this
@shaynas (5487)
• India
14 Sep 17
You did the right thing . It's his problem that he doesn't realize the need of the hour.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
14 Sep 17
True, I have come many such instances where people dont seem to give a thought , even in other matters. They take things for granted !
1 person likes this
@shaynas (5487)
• India
14 Sep 17
@kiran8 Yes. very true. they don't realise theat they are wasting other's time or resources.
1 person likes this
• Nairobi, Kenya
14 Sep 17
We always close our door :) He really should call earlier so you can prepare for a visitor
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
14 Sep 17
Yes I feel he got the message this time and will be careful next time
1 person likes this
• Nairobi, Kenya
14 Sep 17
@kiran8 That is nice to know. What if it was a woman in his place?
@jstory07 (139579)
• Roseburg, Oregon
14 Sep 17
The polite thing to do is to call you if he is coming to visit.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
14 Sep 17
Yes that would be the most sensible thing to do,..
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
15 Sep 17
The same thing is practiced in my country, at least from my own experience. Relatives come and go and we're supposed to halt our life for them. I find it troublesome yet my mom would always say to put myself on their shoe. Wouldn't I want to feel special too? Well.. ;)
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
15 Sep 17
While your mom is being too nice , it is only fair that people make it a practice to call up before visiting. I think this is part of Eastern culture which might have been ok during the earlier days ..
19 Sep 17
Lol, what a story
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
20 Sep 17
Glad you find it entertaining
1 person likes this
• Guangdong, China
14 Sep 17
That was a much annoying condition. All of our relatives or friends will call us before they do the visits. They show their politeness to us. It both comforts them and us.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
14 Sep 17
That is really nice, hope some of ours learn to be as polite and understanding !
• Guangdong, China
15 Sep 17
@kiran8 yes, they should behave themselves and not bring others troubles.