The curious case of Whatsapp forwards

 This post has been brewing for a long time within my mind. Now that my close relatives are retired, I find that my post has gotten lot of inputs to add and I hope that you understand why. The ubiquitous family group that is almost a regular feature in everyone's Whatsapp, is the breeding place of these forwards. My mom sends a minimum of five to max eight forwards on the family Whatsapp group on a wide range of topics from religion, health, cooking and well being. Well, some of them are sent to me by other 'well meaning' folks as well but what beats me is the fact that everyone who sends these forwards take it upon them to tirelessly champion the case of anything they find remotely useful. They mean well. I don't blame them but what gets my gut is that no one verifies whether the messages are true and worthy to be circulated. Also these forwards are deemed useful by the sender in almost a zealous fashion like the early missionaries who spread the gospel of Christ.

Now, this syndrome of forwarding messages is quite common among a certain age group of people - mostly retired, with time and active data available and a willingness to imagine that many will benefit by the message. I do understand that they want their loved and not so loved ones to be fit, fine and religious, but they hardly think whether their message will be read. They believe and imagine that their messages are welcome and read. Well, I for one, never opens any forwarded messages unless my mom specifically asks me about it otherwise I don't bother. But I am quite impressed that for the forwarder, it is important that message is sent - I guess the mental satisfaction of having sent a message is far more important than knowing whether the message was actually read.

Sometimes I think that after retirement, the forwarding of messages gives a certain purpose to life and that explains the fervent offloading of random stuff in family groups. Well, I guess I should not judge the offloading of forwards if it gives a purpose to someone but I still think that the individual should refrain from sharing messages without checking the motive, authenticity and source.

Until the next time, let me ignore the forwards on our family group and since today is Sunday, you can imagine today's quota!

Image courtesy: Internet

Quirky family members and squirming expressions

When one is a teen, everything done by parents and extended family seem unacceptable and often one tries as  best as possible to keep them away. As one grows older, we turn more acceptable towards our folks but the squirming still remains and my guess is that by the time we're very old and of course a bit wise to recognise our own quirks that we start leaving our people alone.

Well, I'm at a stage where I see those quirks and do squirm occasionally. Take for instance that uncle who laughs almost every time he talks over the phone. His talks are interspersed with so much laughter that you fail to understand as to why he laughs so much. Let me tell you that he's not a man with a funny bone. He just laughs.

Oh, let me tell you about that aunt who loves to always talk in English whenever anyone talks to her in our regional language. Not that she is good in English but always wants to converse in English especially to  the person to whom she converses doesn't know English! Squirming? I do.

And there are the children who pop up questions and statements that are usually out of context and very embarrassing. Sample this: My grandfather always farts after his meal. And where is this statement uttered: In the dining table of all places.

There are these ubiquitous uncles and parents who are known for different quirky behaviour which almost always drives me a bit crazy. I think whether it's only me or do others also notice it. Perhaps I notice this because I tend to spend a lot of time analysing these quirks and gestures. After reading an article titled, How I learned to Relax and Enjoy my Family Quirks, I realised that I'm not alone in this trip.

Now, I am opening myself to the fact that all of us have quirky behaviour which are usually unnoticed by us. I tried an exercise where I was aware of my behavioural pattern and found that I have many such squirm-inducing quirks. I wonder what my family thinks when I obsess compulsively on cleanliness and discipline sometimes causing uneasiness to people around.

My word for 2013 is 'aware' and in the process of my awareness, I'm learning to be aware that I have certain quirks in me and that I should be more open to accepting the quirks in my family and friends. Life is beautiful with some quirks . . . why should I crave for homogeneity, I wonder.

What's your take on this?

Image 1: Internet
Image 2: Internet