Now what is this about?
It's your birthday. You are elated. You plan to throw a big party; invite all your family, friends and colleagues; and give them a treat. This would double your joys, not to mention the increase in your popularity and the praises you get for your generosity. Nice. That's elaborate.
It's your birthday. Someone asked you for a treat. You did not show much excitement. You avoided the topic altogether. You plan to save on the money and donate it in a certain orphanage or old age home and the likes. Or maybe not. You just don't like much hullabaloo for a birthday. You're grown up now! Well, that's also nice. And that's simple.
I belong to the second category. Since I got married, I have more so realised the huge difference between the two. My parents have always been simpletons, while my in laws like things to be elaborate. Come what may, I have never been able to convince one to be like the other, or even be convinced of the other's theory at the least. Somehow people are very rigid in these things. Come to think of it, both are right and both are also wrong.
The simple ones are highly resourceful, calculate the value for money at every step, and do not like to waste a single penny. It does not mean they do not help people, but they will ensure their money is spent on a good cause. They do not like to be extravagant. On the other side, we have the 'elaborate' lovers - they love the word grand, want to treat in an extravagant manner for small achievements or occasions, become famous hosts among the partygoers by sharing their happiness publicly. Their funda reminds me of the punch line of an ad I watched on TV - thoda aur chalega.
Well, I have also realised that the war between simple and elaborate is never ending. But we can definitely be flexible and build a bridge some where, like in the example I gave above, maybe you could treat friends and colleagues with some chocolates/vada pav and donate some of the money :)
This is what I think.
What would you choose? Simple or Elaborate? :)
It's your birthday. You are elated. You plan to throw a big party; invite all your family, friends and colleagues; and give them a treat. This would double your joys, not to mention the increase in your popularity and the praises you get for your generosity. Nice. That's elaborate.
It's your birthday. Someone asked you for a treat. You did not show much excitement. You avoided the topic altogether. You plan to save on the money and donate it in a certain orphanage or old age home and the likes. Or maybe not. You just don't like much hullabaloo for a birthday. You're grown up now! Well, that's also nice. And that's simple.
I belong to the second category. Since I got married, I have more so realised the huge difference between the two. My parents have always been simpletons, while my in laws like things to be elaborate. Come what may, I have never been able to convince one to be like the other, or even be convinced of the other's theory at the least. Somehow people are very rigid in these things. Come to think of it, both are right and both are also wrong.
The simple ones are highly resourceful, calculate the value for money at every step, and do not like to waste a single penny. It does not mean they do not help people, but they will ensure their money is spent on a good cause. They do not like to be extravagant. On the other side, we have the 'elaborate' lovers - they love the word grand, want to treat in an extravagant manner for small achievements or occasions, become famous hosts among the partygoers by sharing their happiness publicly. Their funda reminds me of the punch line of an ad I watched on TV - thoda aur chalega.
Well, I have also realised that the war between simple and elaborate is never ending. But we can definitely be flexible and build a bridge some where, like in the example I gave above, maybe you could treat friends and colleagues with some chocolates/vada pav and donate some of the money :)
This is what I think.
What would you choose? Simple or Elaborate? :)
very well written, nikki. Your situation reminds my wife who is sailing the same boat. While my side of the family is elaborate, hers is simple. It is difficult to balance the 2 but like you said, innovative thinking is needed
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You are right indeed! But i would also recommend a mid way where it fills the gap between the simple and the elaborate. Not everyone can be a big heart to celebrate by donation, and ofcourse for the hard work that achieved this momemt of celebration one would even want to do something for the self. Parties, treats, public announcements,are all actually a source of little break in the routine from the regular monotonous life. The other extreme of elaborate celebration is yet another wastage of resources. Hence a balance of the two would be a great idea!
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