Heartbreak at Housewarming: Woman's Dream Renovation Critiqued by Friends and Family!

In a shocking turn of events, a Singaporean woman found herself devastated after her recent housewarming party, where harsh criticisms from family and friends marred what should have been a joyful occasion.

On December 23, she took to the ‘Ask Singapore’ forum on Reddit to share her experience. Attendees made disparaging remarks about her newly renovated BTO (Build-To-Order) flat, leading her to question her choices. Some of the comments were particularly stinging, with guests bluntly questioning the price of her furniture and suggesting she had been swindled.

“How much did you pay for this (insert furniture)? S$3,000? Expensive ah. You kena cheated, is it? Taobao is also not that expensive,” one relative remarked.

Others targeted specific design choices, mocking her for her air conditioning set-up and the choice of countertop material, with claims that it wouldn’t last. “This one will surely get damaged after a year. Countertops must use granite one,” another guest criticized.

Feeling the weight of these comments, the woman recounted a moment of self-doubt, admitting, “The house is really so horrible,” despite having invested substantial time, effort, and finances into her renovation. This heartfelt reflection resonated deeply with many who have experienced similar pressures in the pursuit of creating a dream home.

“I broke down after they all left,” she confessed. It was an emotional culmination of not just the night, but of all the effort she had put in. Recognizing her own missteps, she vowed to never inflict the same treatment on others, highlighting how stressful and costly the renovation process can be.

In the aftermath of the party, the woman sought support, wondering if such toxic behavior is common during housewarmings in Singapore. “The normal thing to do at housewarming is to congratulate the new homeowners…” she lamented.

The sense of community support was palpable in the comments section of the post, as several users urged her to brush off the negativity. Some suggested that her so-called friends and family might have been projecting their insecurities onto her. “It sounds like they are jealous,” one user pointed out, emphasizing how the pressure of rising housing prices can lead to envy during housewarming events.

Others reinforced that critiques during such celebratory occasions are not the norm. Many suggested practicing basic courtesy, reminding that it’s common decency to find something nice to say about a new home.

Some participants in the thread went so far as to recommend that she reevaluate her social circle, encouraging her to distance herself from those who behaved toxically. “Get them out of your house, don’t be a pushover. Once you show you can get nasty and stand up for yourself, they will back right off,” advised one commenter.

The discourse around housewarming conduct highlights a unique cultural fabric, where the excitement of new beginnings can sometimes be overshadowed by undesirable attitudes from those closest to us.

In a related development, the conversation on Reddit also touched upon an unrelated yet equally bizarre trend where some Singaporeans are reportedly charging ‘entrance fees’ for celebrating holidays at their homes, raising eyebrows about the evolving social norms during festive seasons.

Conclusion: Love Your Home, Ignore the Haters!

This woman's story reminds us that the journey to creating a cherished home is personal and varies for everyone. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of kindness and support within our social circles, and perhaps a little less judgment during celebrations.