SINGAPORE: A Singaporean woman has sparked a conversation on social media about the pressures her parents face in trying to keep up with their affluent relatives, despite their own financial struggles. Taking to the subreddit r/askSingapore, she expressed her frustration over her parents' tendency to treat wealthier family members to expensive meals, an expense they simply cannot afford.

In her post, she revealed that her parents' combined monthly income is approximately S$5,000, with limited savings apart from their Central Provident Fund (CPF). Adding to their financial burden is a significant mortgage debt of about S$90,000, and they are nearing retirement age, making their spending habits all the more concerning.

Contrasting starkly with her parents’ situation are her relatives, who enjoy lucrative household incomes in the range of S$30,000 to S$40,000. These relatives lead an affluent lifestyle, living in luxurious penthouses and owning multiple properties, with their children already established in solid careers at multinational corporations.

The woman speculated that her parents' need to treat their wealthy relatives likely stems from a cultural notion of "face"—a desire to maintain dignity and social status within the family. She noted their reluctance to disclose their financial struggles, including her father's unemployment, and their denial of the true financial success of their relatives.

“Your parents also have dignity; they don’t want to just always take,” she remarked, highlighting the societal pressure they might feel to reciprocate the hospitality extended to them.

Responses from the online community varied. Some Redditors encouraged her to engage her parents in an honest discussion about their finances, suggesting that they reconsider their spending habits to better prepare for retirement. One user emphasized the importance of prudent financial management for the future, warning that the burden could eventually fall on the daughter herself.

However, others countered her viewpoint, emphasizing the cultural importance of reciprocity in familial relationships. They argued that maintaining these social ties is crucial and that her parents' desire to treat their relatives is a reflection of their pride and deep-rooted values.

“Treating somebody to a meal should have nothing to do with whether the other person is rich or poor; it is your intention that matters,” one commenter stated, suggesting that the joy of giving can overshadow financial concerns.

The discussion highlights a broader issue in many cultures where maintaining familial relationships can come at the cost of financial stability. As social obligations and financial realities collide, families may face tough choices regarding their spending habits and the values that drive them.

In an age where social media amplifies personal dilemmas, the woman's story serves as a poignant reminder of the balance between cultural practices and financial prudence—a balance that many families grapple with globally. As the conversation continues, it raises the question: how should families navigate the complexities of financial constraints amid societal expectations?