For context, my Nmom has always made it a point that she gets designer stuff to show off. She reminds everyone how much it costs then anything less of that she looks down upon. My aunt, who has made a fortune with her medical practice, can actually afford these, but doesn’t flaunt it massively. And she is the only one my Nmom doesn’t bad mouth. Nmom spends so much on flexing stuff, that she neglects the floor tiles of the house that have been chipping for years, roof work that could’ve prevented extra cost on rainy season, and would rather starve than not buy a new set of clothes.

I find these very impractical and I usually spend money on food and experiences. My Nmom constantly checks what I also give as gifts to my relatives and at some point told me to stop giving because they “don’t have value and might get laughed at,” pertaining to a standard, moderately priced toy for a 5-year-old.

Funny enough, Nmom always invites me to get dinner or shop at somewhere expensive, and doesn’t shell out a single cent. She expects me to pay for everything, and even has the audacity to invite other people.