Parents always keep an eye on their children. They would scold them, advise them. In every household we can hear the following conversations: “Don’t imitate your friends in their wrongs … don’t tell lies …” “It is a bad habit to complain about others ... wherefrom you learn all these bad habits?” “You’ve learnt from Rohit to deceive others … stop this habit …” “You want to buy a mobile phone just because Vinitha has bought one … Why should you compare yourself with her? Why don’t you compare yourself with Priya who gets the first rank every time? Your future will be good; I’ll also feel happy …”

The above scenes are commonplace in almost all the households. Let us see the situation of the elders: The daughter who is married, telephones her mother. “Yesterday, when did ‘thambi’ and his wife return in the evening? “They were here by six. Why are you asking?” “I saw them both entering a cinema theatre when I was fetching Vishaal from school. Your daughter-in-law refused to take leave to attend the marriage of the grand-daughter of our aunt’s sister-in-law. But, she will take leave just to see a picture.” The daughter, without knowing the details, poisons the mind of her mother by volunteering unwanted details. Even elders are no exception in behaving like this. There’s a Chinese saying, “Speak only if it can improve upon silence”. Relationships are spoilt by unwanted words. Relationships can be preserved and strengthened by avoiding such excess talk. It is totally an uncivilized habit to talk ill of others in their absence. It only shows the uncultured mindset of the person talking. Another incident can be cited here. Ramesh is chatting with his colleague Suresh in his office. “Suresh, I am going to throw a party this evening. You are newly married, but you should also attend it. We’ll have Kingfisher if not Bagpiper. I’ll be happy only if you take it.” “Sorry, no way, please don’t interfere in my agreement with my wife. I am not coming.”