How does honouring my elders look like? - Ying

Ying had been separated from her mother's family for two decades. After her parents' divorce, her father had taken her back to his hometown in Malaysia. There had been no meaningful communication with her mother's side since.

When she found a job in Singapore, she decided to visit her mother's family to pay respects. It felt important to reconnect, to bridge the gap that time and distance had created.

As Ying spent time with them, her uncle's words cut deep. He criticised her job. "That's not a real career." He picked apart the flat she rented. "You're wasting money on that place." Even the way she cooked wasn't right. "Who taught you to cook like that?"

Each visit left her drained. The sharp remarks would replay in her mind long after she left his flat.

A relative noticed her discomfort and pulled her aside. "Your uncle is retired and quite lonely, you know. It would be good if you visited him more often. Keep him company."

Ying hesitated. "But every time I leave, I feel so low. His words are really harsh."

The relative waved her concern away. "That's just how old people are. He's behaving like a normal elderly person. It's the responsibility of the younger generation to show compassion and understanding to our elders. You've been away for so long. This is your chance to honour the family."

Ying felt the weight of expectation settle on her shoulders. Was she being selfish? Disrespectful? Should she just endure it for the sake of family harmony?