Showing off our possessions is a universal phenomenon. We all like to be proud of our achievements, assets, and intellect. This pride borders on letting others know how we feel about these qualities and possessions. However, when this goes beyond a limit it first begins a vicious circle of comparisons which ultimately makes a person bankrupt.
Showing off was not a trait which one would associate with Kashmiris of yore. We were simple people with humble possessions and nobody tried to acquire any assert beyond what was absolutely needed. Now we “want” more things that what we actually ” need” and this vicious circle of comparing our life with others never lets us be happy. Times have completely changed. We now want more and more of material things which we actually do not need. We want them because someone in the society possesses them. We feel a sense of utter disparity and alienation unless we possess or avail that asset or service
Our marriages have undergone a sea change. The lavish marriages now try to imitate the marriages in Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana. Those states have a strong agrarian economic structure and can afford fat lavish weddings. What we are doing is spending our lifetime’s earnings for a fat lavish wedding to impress our relatives and friends. Celebrating a lavish wedding has become one of the most prominent resolves of our lives. When it comes to owning a huge, big stylish bungalow Kashmiris are second to none. Everyone wants a solitary house of his own with a huge courtyard and a kitchen garden. We have shortlisted our life to achieving two big goals – a fat wedding and a big house.
The life can easily be lived without achieving either of theses two. Simple marriages and living in apartments are two simple solutions which can make a lot of people financially independent in the valley.
This business of showing off is a vicious circle. The hard-earned money evaporates as if it was never earned. We must make educated choices about where we want to invest our money without taking other people’s opinion about our spending into consideration.
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