Hidden Truths of Relatives
I am writing this blog post about the hidden truths of relatives, which don't apply to all relatives, as some relatives are good. But It's necessary to keep the following things in mind:
1. Financial Secrets
There may be hidden debts, unpaid loans, or disputes over properties that only come out at the time of emergencies.
Example 1: An uncle who shows off a lavish lifestyle at weddings but is actually drowning in credit card debt that nobody knows about.
Example 2: A cousin asking for “small loans” often, but later you find out they borrowed money from half the relatives.
2. Jealousy & Rivalry
Some of your relatives may be secretly jealous of your success, jobs, marriage, or lifestyle, even while smiling in front of you.
Example: A cousin congratulates you for getting a job abroad, but later spreads rumors that you only got it through “connections.”
3. Favoritism
Sometimes parents or elders give more importance to one sibling or cousin.
Example: An aunt always invites only her “favorite” nephew for trips, ignoring the others.
4. Toxic Comparisons
Relatives or parents constantly compare you to someone else without seeing your struggle and situation gap.
Example 1: “Look at your cousin, he earns double your salary!” – even though they know your cousin’s marriage is failing.
Example 2: Comparing your grades to someone else, but hiding the fact that person is secretly struggling with depression.
5. Gossip Behind Backs
A relative can be sweet in person but spread rumors or share your private matters elsewhere.
Example 1: A relative smiles and says “we’re so proud of you” when you buy a new car, then whispers to others that you must have taken a big loan you can’t afford.
Example 2: Your personal life updates, shared in confidence, suddenly become “family news.”
6. Fake Support
Pretending to help but secretly hoping you fail so they feel superior.
Example 1: They encourage you to start a business but secretly discourage others from buying from you.
Example 2: Saying “I’ll help with your wedding arrangements” but disappearing when real responsibilities arrive.
7. Family Politics
Manipulating elders, controlling inheritance, or creating misunderstandings between family members.
Example 1: An uncle who whispers to grandparents that one sibling isn’t responsible, so property shouldn’t be given to them.
Example 2: A relative deliberately causing fights between cousins so they stay divided.
8. Generational Secrets
Old scandals, affairs, addictions, or even hidden family members that nobody openly talks about.
Example 1: Finding out a “distant relative” is actually your father’s step-sibling that nobody talks about.
Example 2: A grandfather’s old gambling problem hidden for years, only discovered when debts surface.
9. Pressure & Expectations
Forcing career, marriage, or lifestyle choices on you while hiding their own regrets.
Example 1: Forcing you into medicine or engineering “because your cousin did it,” even if you love art.
Example 2: Pressuring you to marry quickly because they fear “log kya kahenge” (what will people say), while hiding their own troubled marriage.
10. Two-Faced Behavior
Acting loving in front of elders but cold or dismissive when it’s just you and them.
Example 1: An aunt praises your cooking in front of your mom but later mocks it with other relatives.
Example 2: A cousin hugs you at family gatherings but mocks your appearance or career choices with friends.