‘Have more than thou showest’

Did you grow up hearing this or words to that effect? I did. My parents were all about virtue of modesty. My mother would say, ‘don’t brag about yourself, let your actions do the talking’. What you are becomes clear the way you behave, my dad would say. Our elders always said if you earn hundred rupees, show only forty. Punjabi community, by and large, is accused of showing off their wealth, status and power. I never saw that in our house.

So, in spite of being a prefect at school and winning state and national level prizes in debates and acting, besides being in the top three students in the class, I never talked about my achievements. But I joined university and I felt at loss. No I am not talking lack of confidence in my self; though of course I was a little nervous but the way every one bragged about their family, how much pocket money they got and which car they had.

When I see the social media now, I wonder what my parents would have said about constant bombardment of one’s achievement on Facebook, Instagram or twitter. Now we hear, sell yourself. If you don’t talk about yourself, who would? I cannot say the concept is totally wrong but to talk about myself still is a problem with me. No I do talk about my achievements in right context and I am anything but shy but showing off is not my cup of tea. I still blush when someone praises my achievements. I think my mum would have liked that.

So, don’t let others rough shod over you but show off? That’s for you to think.

So be it!!!