Weddings and family functions are occasions where families come together, allowing everyone to share, express, and enjoy meaningful, joyful moments. While many choose to dress in grand, regal attire, others prefer a more subtle and elegant look with simple clothing.
When everyone is of the same status, some differences are not noticeable. However, each of our relatives lives at a different social and economic level. Their lifestyle, attitude, and approach toward wealthier and middle-class relatives vary. This is where a divide is created, distinguishing who they consider worthy of socializing with and who they do not.
Nowadays, people are rarely valued for their behaviour,
morals, or kind-heartedness; instead, they are judged by their financial
status.
Many who are financially well-off choose not to associate with
middle-class relatives. They draw subtle yet firm boundaries, quietly reminding
others of the divide between ‘us’ and ‘them.
Having said all this does not mean they avoid speaking to us; however, the boundaries they have established and the limitations they impose are clearly visible.
A scenario that most middle-class teenagers and women would have experienced—and one many can truly relate to— When we are invited for a wedding by our relative, as a young girl, a wave of thoughts begins to fill the mind: what dress to wear, how to look presentable, which accessories would perfectly match the outfit, whether it’s right to buy a new dress just for this occasion, what hairstyle to choose, and what kind of makeup would suit our costume.
One question leads to another, all driven by the simple desire to look our best on that special day. Alongside all these thoughts, there is also a quiet excitement—an eagerness to meet our cousins after a long time, to reconnect, laugh, and relive old memories.
So, our minds would be filled with excitement as we wait for that big day to enjoy with our relatives, especially our cousins. But we don’t realize that the scene may be different from what we had imagined.
On the day of the occasion, we get ready beautifully, filled with excitement to meet our relatives and attend the wedding. We step into the party hall with a smiling face, and are warmly welcomed by everyone. People greet us kindly and engage in conversation. Especially those who share our social status speak to us freely, without hesitation or formality, making us feel comfortable and at ease.
On the day of the occasion, we get ready beautifully, filled with excitement to meet our relatives and attend the wedding.
We step into the party hall with a smiling face, and are warmly welcomed by everyone. People greet us kindly and engage in conversation.
Especially those who share our social status speak to us freely, without hesitation or formality, making us feel comfortable and at ease.
But as the day progresses, we slowly begin to notice the subtle differences. While some conversations flow easily and warmly, with certain people there is a quiet distance that cannot be ignored.
The way they speak, the way they include us in conversations, and the way interactions naturally flow all begin to reveal an unspoken divide. It is not always expressed directly, but it can be felt in small moments—through pauses, limited engagement, or selective comfort in communication.
Gradually, we realize that not everyone interacts with the same openness, and the difference in social status quietly shapes the way people connect, even within the same family gathering.
I’m sure you would have noticed this: our high-class relatives, who are of similar status, often occupy a particular section of the party hall and tend to stay within their own group, rarely mingling with everyone else.
A few minutes later, a guest of our age group arrives at the place where we are chatting. As soon as our high-class relatives see them, their expressions brighten instantly, and they eagerly move forward to welcome them. They exchange cheerful conversations, asking about their daily life, and the interaction becomes deeply engaging.
From these observations, it becomes clear that there exists an invisible line in social interactions based on financial and social status.
While there may not be an open display of separation, it is often reflected subtly in behavior, attention, and the way conversations are carried out. Those who share similar status tend to engage more freely and comfortably, while others may feel a sense of distance or less inclusion.
This does not necessarily define every individual or every family, but it highlights a social reality that can often be felt in gatherings like weddings and family functions. Ultimately, it reminds us that beyond status and wealth, genuine human connection and equal respect are what truly matter.
In that moment, it hurts more than we express. We go completely blank, and even without tears, our expression shifts, and we quietly walk away. We spend time and effort getting ready for the wedding—not because we are free, but because we genuinely want to enjoy a family gathering. Yet, moments like these make that effort feel unnoticed
We consider them family, yet we do not always feel the same sense of connection in return. Sometimes, at this age, it can feel disheartening to notice differences influenced by status. Our mothers, too, may experience similar situations in their own way. Ultimately, the desire is simple—we want relationships built on genuine connection, not status.