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Rich Richer Richest

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I come from a middle class family. Both my parents were working in order to fend for my sister and me. Yet, we were content and happy. But somehow, the people around were not. There was a constant comparison by others, trying to put us down. Oh you do not have an own house, you guys don't own a car and more blah blah. Any normal person would feel bad when such questions were hurled. We did too, as it was offending to say the least. The people talking had their houses and cars, yet they only felt content when they compared themselves to us. Reassurance perhaps. As a child, my parents gave me everything that they could afford. Strangely, I was never a demanding kid. I was content with whatever came my way and my folks made sure that I was taken care of well. I was put in the best of schools and thankfully for my parents I was a topper and received scholarships one after the other. I went to one of the best colleges for my degree, in which I secured a free seat, after scoring a ninety eight percent in twelfth standard. Nobody saw the fact that I had secured a free seat, everyone kept wondering how my parents could afford to get me studied at this big college. Some of them are still wondering.

The word rich never existed in my dictionary. I never dreamt of pretty things or anything extravagant. Luxury is not something that I crave for and I definitely do not get a kick out of comparing myself with someone beneath me. My luxury could be someone else's basics. And some rich soul's luxury could be my basics. I was aware of that. Such is life. And who are we to define who is rich and poor? Is richness only measured by the amount in your bank. Or by the gold on your body? Some people save money to dangerous extents. Saving is good, but stinginess is something else altogether. At times I wonder what these people are saving for? For a gold grave perhaps? It is disgusting to say the least. I know the cost of living is getting higher by the day, but why live in poverty now in the hope of a better tomorrow. What if you die tonight?

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I feel rich every time I look at the smile on my husbands face, or the joy on my parents face. I feel rich when I see the appreciation I receive at work or for my writing. I make enough money for my needs, and unlike a lot of other people, I know the difference between 'Want' and 'Need'. Someone once told me, a person should have an own house, a car, and the capacity to buy anything he wants. Such a person is a happy man. Seriously? How many of you think so? What if this same person is a lone divorcee battling cancer? You think he is happy then?

Everyone has ambitions and dreams, but it is really important to keep them realistic. Comparing yourself to your siblings or neighbors is like suicide where you dig your own grave and lose the people who would come to cry at it. Money, money and only money. Some people can only think about that. I have seen relationships crumbling around me for the sake of money. The rich want to get more richer wringing the neck of the poor. Who cares, as long as their bank balance improves, right? Oh you have money, great, then I shall be your best friend from today. What if I am a cold blood murderer hiding behind a facade of dollars? Who cares, as long as you get to see the green.

I own a lot of wonderful things. Big branded watches, clothes, shoes etc. But why? Because I like them. Not because I want to show it off among the people around me or blow my own trumpet with the richie rich song. I know the things that I can afford and I only buy things that I have the money for. Buying stuff on credit or on EMI's is something not for me. People have been bugging me and my husband to pick up a car, since we are married now. I wonder what the connection is. We have a bike and both our workplaces are within three kilometers from home. He drops me and picks me up. What would we do with a car? And that too in Bangalore traffic. I love bike rides and hence we both are more than happy with our bike. We are not buying a car because we do not need it. Not because we cannot afford it. The same thing applies to everything that others think that we don't have.

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Ever noticed that richness can only be calculated in comparison. He is richer than her. She is more richer than him. He is the richest man on earth when compared to him. Total bullshit. People use such statements to feel good about themselves. That's about it. Such people only thrive on comparison, without bothering about happiness, love and the small day to day things.

I feel rich when I dine at the Taj, as well as when I dine at a roadside joint. Because, I can afford a decent meal for myself. I feel rich when I wear a Ralph Lauren, as well as when I wear something off the street. Because, I can afford to dress nicely. I feel rich, when I write. Because I am blessed with the talent that some others can only dream of. I feel rich when I dance, because there are some poor disabled souls out there. I feel rich when I cook, because I know I can afford the basic ingredients. I feel like the richest person on earth when my husband hugs me, because I know I have all the love in the world. That is all I need. And want.

So tell me, what makes you feel rich?




Comments

  1. I read somewhere, a man lived all his life like a beggar and saved up money for his wish to be buried in a golden casket. Money is a resource, it needs to be traded to acquire things that we can cherish. Money all by itself ha no value. It is the things that we can do with it that brings us happiness that makes it valuable. This site might give some perspective about how blessed many of us are. :-)

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    1. Oh that side really made me feel blessed! :)

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  2. I live away from home and I feel rich when after nearly a year I go back home and see my parents happy beyond measure. I could totally relate to the post Soumya. I too come from a middle class background and ofcourse to some that is a solid ground for comparison. But I'm richer than them all cause I'm genuinely happy with my life, content with the immense love showered by my loved ones, my family and friends. :)

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    1. Thank you Anu, I'm so glad you could relate to this! :)

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  3. Richness is generally measured in terms of money and not by happiness , contentment and satisfaction.

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  4. Ok first things first... u got 98% in 12th????? Can we write about female role models now??? :D You're amazing!!
    As far as this money thing goes.. I go nuts back home. My city is full of people who were born in rich families and have grown into prosperous businessmen. The show-off is unbearable. I just feel like running away from it whenever I go there. On the contrary, I see couples here savinf every penny for their children. Wonder if these people can meet somewhere in the middle..

    Loved this post :)

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    1. Yes, I did! Thank you! :)

      Haha it would be fun if they do meet halfway!

      Thank you so much! :)

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  5. Absolutely true! I loved that line about the basic needs of one being the luxuries of another. And what makes me feel rich is when I have my family and friends around, when I can simply enjoy nature, when someone appreciates the work that I do! A lovely post indeed!

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  6. 98% in 12th.. damn!! Well I was raised in a house with a similr background..I am still a part of it.
    Luxuries does not make you rich. People do. Happiness does.
    You and I are super rich babe!

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  7. You got 98%?! :O
    And I totally agree with every word you have written. I don't understand the fuss about being rich and being able to afford stuff, while losing out on some of the best things life has to offer.

    A superb post, as always! :)

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    1. I did! :D

      Thank you so much Pooja. You have been very kind! :)

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  8. Thanks for writing this post Soumya. I too come from a middle class family and off late a lot of people have been trying to put me down. Your post made me feel a whole lot better :) :) :).

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  9. You made me fall in love wit u again <3

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  10. What a sensible, balanced post and views, Soumya! Really, I was nodding at every emotion, every expression you used. I am in complete tandem with your views on feeling and being rich.

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    1. Thanks for reading Rachna. I'm glad you understand.

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  11. I think bike rides are more romantic than car drives... No? ;)
    Okay I know totally out-of-the-way comment... but I had no idea what else to say :)
    These stupid things are like 'whatever' for me... I dont care what people say about me
    especially regarding how rich or how poor one is....
    you only earn money if you do hard work for it, nobody would just give it to you
    so i think one's bank balance is account of his/her hard work

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  12. I am living in the same household in a small town and don't understand why people create fuss over small issues, i can totally relate with each and every word :)

    Read me here: http://wingardiumleviosaaa.blogspot.in/

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  13. Whoa your words are definitely rich lady! I was nodding away throughout your post. I agree, most things money can buy is not always equivalent to wealth. The wealth of a quality of life which gets you contentment is indeed what makes you rich.
    Congratulations on getting picked for the 'Spicy Saturdays' picks!

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    1. Thank you for visiting and following Vinodini! :)

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  14. Well written Soumya :-)
    "I feel rich when I write" I completely relate to that :-)

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  15. People wouldn't rest until they get a higher degree than the superlative when it comes to money.

    //People have been bugging me and my husband to pick up a car, since we are married now. I wonder what the connection is. We have a bike and both our workplaces are within three kilometers from home. He drops me and picks me up.//

    Exactly! Have been telling people on their faces why should I drive a car and get stuck up in the horrible traffic when can weave through it with my activa. I drive my husband around because I have more on-road experience than him and we both love it. He drives me around sometimes and we have a good laugh, me trying to teach him tactics of driving and him trying to follow my chatter.

    What's so great in buying something you don't even need just to show off that you are rich? And who is to decide one is rich enough or not. There's always a relative factor which will place you higher than a few people and lower than a few. I personally feel there is no joy in just showing off riches while living a pathetic life within the constraints of your circle.

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    1. Just do what you want to man, let people talk whatever they want. Its so cute that you drive him around :)

      Those memories makes us rich, that's the most important thing.

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  16. beautiful piece Soumya!! i come from similar backgrounds with similar thoughts, and i can vouch for the fact that life is so much better when we buy what we need and what makes us happy rather than what we think we should buy to make "others feel jealous"!!

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  17. I feel rich when I get a message from HDFC bank on the last working day of every month - " Your salary has been credited". :p

    And when I can buy something nice for the ones I love. I hardly shop for clothes. Until and unless I really need it. Most of the time, I go for shopping when my clothes are in a deplorable condition. :/ I do love shoes as much as any girl, but I don't splurge on them. The main thing I spend on is supermarkets. Grocery shopping is akin to a trip to Disneyland (not that I've been there, but, you know). I end up spending more than I intend to.

    I feel rich when I can take a flight to wherever it is I want to go to, rather than train. Not richer by money, but by time. Because I would then have an extra day to spend at that place. And this feeling is heightened the most when I'm going home.

    I felt rich when I bought a camera for myself a few years back. A digicam only, not a DSLR, but a camera nonetheless. It was the first expensive that I'd bought for myself, and I don't think I will ever give it away. I am sentimental when it comes to such things. I still have the my first ever mobile phone that my sister got me ages ago.

    But you know when I felt the richest? Recently, when I bought a pair of gold bangles for my little niece. It was the first time in my life I was buying gold.

    Looks like this is the most writing I have done in recent times. I don't feel very rich in the writing department, needless to say! :/

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    1. Hahaha how cute are you! :) I go crazy in super markets too, maybe that is what marriage does to you!

      For me too, it is all about the emotions, rather than the money involved. Its a pity not many people get that.

      Your niece is one hell of a lucky lady to have an aunt like you! I never buy stuff for myself too, it has always been only for others.

      You better start writing again, you have no idea how much people are missing your posts! Come back soon :)

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  18. friendship of freinds is all I have earned in my life .. and thats what make me RICH..

    I am from a similar background, my father worked hard to see that me and my sis were cared and provided for.. and as you say I had everything then.. and i was much happier then.. now its a constant race

    Bikram

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    1. Ah yes, friendship automatically makes us rich!

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