{"id":17930,"date":"2024-04-22T16:04:20","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T10:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/?p=17930"},"modified":"2024-04-22T16:11:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-22T10:41:23","slug":"relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it","title":{"rendered":"Relatable Ways Singaporean Mothers Say ILY Without Saying It"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it\/#The_%E2%80%98Why_You_Never_Eat\" >The \u2018Why You Never Eat?\u2019\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it\/#The_%E2%80%98Can_You_Help_Me_With_This\" >The \u2018Can You Help Me With This?\u2019\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it\/#The_%E2%80%98Fine_Just_Keep_It_lah%E2%80%A6_Sacrifice\" >The \u2018Fine. Just Keep It lah\u2026\u2019 Sacrifice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it\/#_%E2%80%98Where_are_you_going_Who_you_going_out_with_Do_I_know_them\" >\u00a0\u2018Where are you going? Who you going out with? Do I know them?\u2019<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it\/#The_%E2%80%98Here_Take_This_Care_Package\" >The \u2018Here, Take This\u2019 Care Package<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/relatable-ways-singaporean-mothers-say-ily-without-saying-it\/#BONUS_The_Silent_%E2%80%98I_Love_You_Hug\" >BONUS: The Silent \u2018I Love You\u2019 Hug<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singaporean Mothers &#8211; A force of nature, a master chef and the walking encyclopedia of proverbs both wise and utterly bizarre. But let&#8217;s face it &#8211; when it comes to expressing emotions, those three magical words \u2018I love you\u2019 can hardly be heard in Singaporean households. But that doesn\u2019t mean your mum doesn\u2019t love you or is incapable of showing emotions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this post, we break into the not-so-secret code our mothers say or do to lowkey say ILY &#8211; gestures that involve volunteered advice, passive-aggressive guilt trips and proper meals every single time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%98Why_You_Never_Eat\"><\/span><b>The \u2018Why You Never Eat?\u2019\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1317235018\/photo\/mother-preparing-homemade-sandwich-lunch-box-for-daughter-before-sending-her-to-school-re.jpg?s=612x612&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=F3JL5Y3G59BSveYHs0YiWqaWb6fxZR8wsIj5VDnH1Yc=\" alt=\"Mother preparing homemade sandwich lunch box for daughter before sending her to school re-open day in the morning Young Asian mother preparing healthy lunch box for her daughter in the kitchen. Daughter keeping the lunch box in her school bag and get ready to go to school re-open day in early morning. Care Package by chinese mom stock pictures, royalty-free photos &amp; images\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The classic one that everyone experiences daily! You enter the house, put down your lunch, it\u2019s filled and bam! There she is, hovering by the kitchen counter with a concerned frown. \u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why you never eat ah? Do you think you can survive on air, meh? Why do I even bother to wake up early and prepare this meal.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019 It might sound like a guilt trip, but it&#8217;s her way of saying, \u2018I care about you, so please eat well and on time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%98Can_You_Help_Me_With_This\"><\/span><b>The \u2018Can You Help Me With This?\u2019\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1350164916\/photo\/affectionate-asian-senior-mother-and-daughter-using-smartphone-together-at-home-smiling.jpg?s=612x612&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Spq1JqNgVQJ4YcqPZ-Al-DpeKlgWjSzjVMsYsUGnCys=\" alt=\"Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully, enjoying mother and daughter bonding time. Multi-generation family and technology Affectionate Asian senior mother and daughter using smartphone together at home, smiling joyfully, enjoying mother and daughter bonding time. Multi-generation family and technology chinese helping mom stock pictures, royalty-free photos &amp; images\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We&#8217;ve all seen it &#8211; the charade of struggling to check the stories on WhatsApp (especially after the recent update). Grunts and groans galore while lifting and handling utensils. This is just her other way of saying, \u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I miss you, spend some time with your old mom lah!<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019 disguised as a plea for assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%98Fine_Just_Keep_It_lah%E2%80%A6_Sacrifice\"><\/span><b>The \u2018Fine. Just Keep It lah\u2026\u2019 Sacrifice<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1826750604\/photo\/asian-unhappy-angry-little-daughter-standing-with-arms-crossed-while-mother-scolding-her-mom.jpg?s=612x612&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=obXbvlB5mOA8oXE9dC830M9CiypHwL7wB3rwKe_tkJs=\" alt=\"Asian unhappy angry little daughter standing with arms crossed while mother scolding her. Mom scolding child girl, teaching kid about inappropriate behavior, family relationships with conflict. Asian unhappy angry little daughter standing with arms crossed while mother scolding her. Mom scolding child girl, teaching kid about inappropriate behavior, family relationships with conflict. asian mother scolding child stock pictures, royalty-free photos &amp; images\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You finally convinced your mom to get that vintage Chanel bag that you have been eyeing for years. As you walk out with your new treasure, you hear a mumbled, \u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least now you will stop bothering me. Make sure you use it properly.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019 This usually translates to, \u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am happy that you are happy.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_%E2%80%98Where_are_you_going_Who_you_going_out_with_Do_I_know_them\"><\/span><b>\u00a0\u2018Where are you going? Who you going out with? Do I know them?\u2019<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1347884587\/photo\/family-conflict-mother-and-daughter-quarreling-at-home-girl-ignoring-her-mom-standing-back-to.jpg?s=612x612&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=u1hdjqNyKmTbgixCcWi4OqRVX2MiZSi2GVrbuQ0bujU=\" alt=\"Family conflict. Mother and daughter quarreling at home, girl ignoring her mom, standing back to her with crossed arms Family conflict. Mother and daughter quarreling at home, sulky child girl ignoring her mom, standing back to her with crossed arms, selective focus, copy space asian mother scolding child stock pictures, royalty-free photos &amp; images\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You like it or hate it &#8211; Moms will forever be your \u2018Sherlock Holmes\u2019! As she mumbles or says these words out loud, she wants to know you are safe. New places and new people can be nerve-wracking for her, even if she tries to hide it. Knowing your plans helps her keep track of you just in case (in case) she needs to pick you up. And the hidden meaning behind this is a big ol&#8217; dose of mom-love.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_%E2%80%98Here_Take_This_Care_Package\"><\/span><b>The \u2018Here, Take This\u2019 Care Package<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1453601701\/photo\/an-asian-mother-and-son-pack-their-luggage-at-home.jpg?s=612x612&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=acpCTv-kZQn6n-jmP-3aBK9jcLFlAPoR3SYaeo6jZmw=\" alt=\"An Asian mother and son pack their luggage at home An Asian mother and son pack their luggage at home Care Package by chinese mom for trip stock pictures, royalty-free photos &amp; images\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heading out for a trip (even for the day)? Expect a care package fit! Enough instant noodles to feed a village, enough medication to stock a pharmacy, and appropriate wear. This is Singaporean moms&#8217; way of saying, \u2018<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am your mom. I will always worry about you and do everything in my power to take care of you.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BONUS_The_Silent_%E2%80%98I_Love_You_Hug\"><\/span><b>BONUS: The Silent \u2018I Love You\u2019 Hug<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/media.istockphoto.com\/id\/1393750412\/photo\/caring-asian-adult-son-coming-over-wrapping-his-mother-up-with-a-blanket-as-she-is-enjoying-a.jpg?s=612x612&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tvT1J7kd7LZ-pwR9KkOIhqe_kYAh5qV-K92k8DEiNRw=\" alt=\"caring asian adult son coming over wrapping his mother up with a blanket as she is enjoying a fun tv show in the living room at home caring asian adult son coming over wrapping his mother up with a blanket as she is enjoying a fun tv show in the living room at home warm hug by chinese mom stock pictures, royalty-free photos &amp; images\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, Singaporean mothers are not much known for their displays of physical affection. But sometimes, a warm hug that goes up to five Mississippi speaks volumes. It&#8217;s a lowkey way of saying \u2018I love you so much\u2019 without actually saying it. It\u2019s also a silent promise of being always there for you, a care and protectiveness that goes beyond words.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next time your mother breaks out the guilt trip or brings you an ice pack despite you two not being on talking terms for the time, her every action says she cares about you. So, look beyond the gruff exterior and the seemingly critical comments and you will see love as strong as Singapore\u2019s sambal chili sauce.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>For the upcoming Mother&#8217;s Day,<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/gifts\/mothers-day\">treat her to extravagant gifts and grand gestures<\/a>. Or you can even go for the simplest things that mean the most. Whichever option you choose, remember to hug her (even if she pretends to be surprised), help out with chores without being asked, and tell her, in your own words, how much you appreciate her. After all, actions speak louder than words!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Singaporean Mothers &#8211; A force of nature, a master chef and the walking encyclopedia of proverbs both wise and utterly bizarre. But let&#8217;s face it &#8211; when it comes to expressing emotions, those three magical words \u2018I love you\u2019 can hardly be heard in Singaporean households. But that doesn\u2019t mean your mum doesn\u2019t love you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":17933,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[621],"tags":[2976,2977,2974,2975,2973],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17930"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17930"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17930\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17936,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17930\/revisions\/17936"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17933"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fnp.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}