Here in Singapore where the Chinese make up most of the population, Chinese New Year is celebrated more so than the actual new year itself. This year is no exception, I have done more than my fair share of relative visiting and "Ang Bao" collecting. Most of the relatives you see in the Chinese New Year holidays are those you only get to see on Chinese New Year, you only see them once a year. Which gives you a huge sense of perspective because the same people playing "catching" with you in the void deck of your flat a little while back are now getting married and having children. It really blows my mind when I wonder where the heck all those years went.
But Chinese New Year also brings its fair share of woes. Nosey relatives will make it a point to ask you the dreaded question before every "Ang Bao" presentation,
"So How? Got girlfriend or not?"
"Err... no..." I would reply.
My Aunt closed in for the kill...
"How can?! You so good looking how come got no girlfriend! You bluffing me right?"
Sensing that her weapons were being fired, I raised my shields,
"No I am not... nowadays girls go for money not looks, maybe if you are not so stingy with your 'Ang Bao' I might be able to afford one." I said jokingly.
Knowing that her weapons had no effect she disenaged,
"wah... still as cheeky as ever..." she said as she handed me her "Ang Bao".
With that, I said my thanks and moved on with my shields still holding... but just barely.
For me personally, I don't even think I am ready for a relationship much less a marriage. But with marriage being a cornerstone of Chinese tradition and the tendancy of relatives on my mum's side to marry young... very young, well lets just say that you can't argue with tradition, you just have to live with it.
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2 comments:
hey had my fair share of "got boyfriend or not" =I
one CNY many years ago, i went overseas!!!
the above comment was left by ruth
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