independent girl... me? Noooooo

I suppose... independence is a pretty subjective perspective. To what extent do you define it, do you rate it, do you see it, do you build it?

My family often tell me its good you're going to HK by yourself, can learn to be more independent. What does that mean? Is independence define by knowing how to wash your own clothes, knowing how to take the bus back home or to work? knowing how to buy your own food? Sometimes you get the feeling that what they mean by it all is the ability to wash the house and be completely hygienic about it... So to them, being independent means... wash your own clothes, toilet, cook for yourself. DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF and you earn the title of being independent.

If you think about it, these are simple things...Because can i not learn to do all that in Singapore? I can easily learn how to iron my clothes, wash the toilet when im there cant i?

No. i dont think thats what being independent means.... I think a better definition to such a concept would be more general; the ability to pull together resources to take care of yourself in every possible way.

For example, Im NOT going to learn how to wash the toilets, nor am i going to learn how to wash cloths or even less, iron them. Im not even going to cook at all... instead, i have found out who to call to come down to clean the apartment for a nominal fee, i have found out where the nearest laundry services is for me to wash my clothes. I have found on my own a place to stay and i have bought groceries to keep at home. I have watched my spending and taken into account my financial abilities every night, i have set up insurance, bank accounts, memberships in HK to fit into the culture. I think these justifies the building up of "independence" to me...

But ultimately, i shouldnt bother right? as long as im capable of finding ways to take care of myself in ways that i deem sufficient, it is enough and i shouldnt try to do things in a way that others would like to see it done by... Because when i think about it... everything can be seen from two sides cant it? Me hiring the maid can be seen as spoilt by my aunts and uncs or resourceful and practical to my friends. i dont know im just rambling. im just happy i have this blog to voice my concerns... its not really one but i have a feeling it'll be soon.