Staying with Parents

The indians today no matter where they are have this to say about staying at home with their parents:

1. “I have no choice to stay outside my home in Kolkata. But at home you can stay like a non-paying guest and you have the facilities of a five-star hotel.” which i feel is self centered --more like a sugar coated pill & more interested in being looked after rather than looking after the parents in their old age.

2. Even married couples prefer to stay with parents because it is “cosy” they say.“You only give a lump sum amount at the beginning of every month and your elders take care of everything else, right from managing the cook to household shopping. Why do you need a separate home, when everything is being managed so methodically by elders? After all they are more experienced.”--again the same as above--isnt it like using the parents as housekeepers?

3. “In our society, a young man or woman still look upto their parents, close relatives and teachers as role models. When parents are caring they get a refuge in them and feel secure in staying with them. That is why young Indians still prefer to stay with their parents.”-- this seems a bit more caring & giving the parents their due.

4. “Some of my friends in India, who are into well paid jobs, say that they are envious of my NRI status, whereas I tell them that I’m envious of their status and parental home, which no NRI can buy,” -- there speaks a true judge of what one gains or looses staying seperate.

5. “The adult-kids today are intelligent enough. Though most of them are more exposed to television and media culture, yet it is quite easy for them to understand that the people on TV are prettier, richer, smarter, wittier, healthier and happier than most of their parents, but unfortunately, they aren’t real. So they still rely on their parents as the ultimate refuge. Your parents are still a refuge even if they are poor, less successful in life or if they don’t have a pretty good bank balance.”--this seems to look at life with reality glasses on.

All opinions aside I would like to tell one and all,that parents who were there for you throughout your life, don't really need a looking after--all they need is to feel that they are still a part of your lives & this can be achieved in various different ways--of which staying with them is a very minor part which is not really necessary, the same closeness can be achieved by frequent visits,calls,family vacations.

If truth be told they at this age after fulfilling all their responsibilities want a peaceful life of their own & like I said all they need is to feel that they are still a part of your lives,to feel happy,fulfilled & needed.