Now I know why.... I learnt....

Last Sunday, a friend of my father gave us a visit since he was just around the area... he used to work with my father and they used to quarrel a lot.. he's from India by the way.... and he really likes to criticize Malaysians (especially the Malays) ways of doing things... anyway, he is married to a Malay lady... ;)

He talked about how Malays like to look good with branded clothing, how Malays willing to spend for the image and reputation although in real the money is more worth it to be put somewhere else...

He talked about how Malays want to look good with food too.... how we decorate the food as if we are serving the decorations and not the main dishes whenever we have guests at home....

I just told him we like to look good and be good in all that we are doing.... and there comes more and more argument... I've learnt that sometimes it is better to just let the male have the last word and so kept myself quiet... it is the 'male ego' thing I guess... ;) The best time is of course when you got the chance to tell them with the 'I-told-you-so' look when things didn't go the way they wanted it to be....

Back to what I learnt today....

I accompanied a friend to Tabung Haji today, to settle some tasks for his upcoming Hajj... And today, for the reason of his own he was in his blazer, looking very formal and smart of course.... upon him entering the waiting area I observed people turning their heads, directing their eyes on him... and while waiting for his number to be called, a staff there actually came and met him, salam and handshake.... Only to him, not to another friend who came with us...!!!

Thus, without knowing a person, others will first recognize the way we bring up ourselves... clothing, tidiness etc... and the way others treat us is different by the first impression instilled in them... the respect that comes with the clothing, the 'force-respect' that comes with the posts... yet, the best is the respect you gained by just being you naturally, doing things your way....

In case if this is brought up again by my father's friend, I'll have another point to add... But then again, maybe I'll just let him with his way..... and wish for the time to come when I have a chance to give him that 'look'...