There’re a lot of things that people look forward to during Chinese New Year. Some can’t wait to see family again, others anticipate all the delicious food and snacks they’ll be able to enjoy, and of course, many expect to receive little red packets of money. Yup, the ang pao has its own customs when it comes to giving it out!
Adults will still gift them to kids, but some working adults will give to their parents too. And, it’s apparently a thing now to give one to your significant other as well! So, that does beg the question: if you don’t have enough cash, whom do you value more? Well, this man’s act of choosing his girlfriend over his parents had others shaking their heads!
Recently, a netizen went viral for sharing that he would be gifting his girlfriend an ang pao. And, to the surprise of many, it wasn’t a paltry sum. According to this young man, he was planning to give her a hefty sum of RM5200! Needless to say, it was enough to make jaws drop.
“(It’s) because my girlfriend likes surprises. She will take pictures and share them on 小红书 (Xiao Hong Shu) and Instagram. I like to see her friends leaving (comments) saying: #(I) envy her for having such a good boyfriend,” he reportedly told entrepreneur Jack Investor.
However, the Facebook user stumped the netizen with his next question: “How much will you give your parents?” His response of “I don’t have enough money this year,” left Jack completely unimpressed. The netizen was quick to claim that his parents “weren’t short of money“. “So, they will understand,” he added. But Jack felt as though the young man had his priorities mixed up!
The entrepreneur also pondered on the man’s desire for online flattery from his significant other. Does that make you a good partner when it’s publicise on social media? “(It) allows more young people to feel that being a good partner is an accomplishment and is something worth showing off on the internet,” Jack wrote. “But having fulfilled the role of ‘a good partner’ is one thing, what about being ‘a good child’?”
Jack pointed out that many weren’t as eager when it came to sharing what they had done for their parents. “Adulthood should not be an excuse to scorn being affectionate to family,” he stated. Jack added he always prioritised sharing his income with his mother. “Parents should be the one to receive your ang pao,” he added. “I want to proudly (tell) everyone: Being a good kid is rewarding, no matter your age.”
While Jack’s commentary received overwhelming support, a few felt he should not be so quick to judge. Some pointed out they didn’t know the netizen’s relationship with his parents. Others also shared that their parents usually valued spending time with them more than spending money.
Sources: Facebook, China Press
