10 subconscious actions you do that will make you look like an auntie

As you grow older, you may find yourself changing your behaviour and the way you think. Some may call it “auntie” and though it has a negative connotation, it can also mean that you are now becoming more mature.

Discounts excite you more than Prada
When a sign that says “50% off” makes you want to jump for joy more than when you hear a new store in Orchard is opening, congratulations, you are officially an auntie. But that’s not a bad thing. It makes sense that as we become older, cheap yet good quality clothes are seen as good deals. After all, we are thinking about saving money so that we will be better prepared for the future.

“I am going to NTUC” becomes a normal thing to say
Remember when you were a teenager and going to NTUC was so boring that you did whatever you could not to follow your mum there? Now, it is normal to go grocery shopping and you don’t mind stepping in to take a look just for fun.

In fact, some of you may even use this opportunity to get some fresh air during the weekend. Some have even said that it is therapeutic. I think that I could probably use some NTUC therapy myself.

You are more conscious about what you eat
Gone are the times where you would dream about eating McDonalds every day. Now, that feels like a nightmare. As you get older, you become more health-conscious. You start choosing low-fat products, wholemeal bread and you limit your intake of fried food. This is a good thing because as our body ages, our immune system slows down and you cannot consume as much fat as before.

You know how to bargain
If you can go to a market and bargain till the stall owner gives in, you are a natural auntie. Bargaining is a good skill to have, after all, you can cut the price so much so until you can buy two of those items for that price.

It’s all about saving money and it is going to be important when you want to go to Bangkok and Vietnam for some cheap deals. The cheaper, the better.

You are no longer afraid to look un-glam
In fact, that’s how you look almost all the time. Looking glam is only for work and special occasions. The reason for this is because you are too tired to doll up and you have come to accept your natural look. This is good in a way because you are now more focused on more important things such as your career and hobbies instead of your looks.

You become more “motherly”
One of it is the nagging factor where you realise you are nagging more than usual at your siblings, boyfriend or friends. This just means that you are starting to care more about them and their well-being. It happens because as we get older, there is a greater need for you to start taking care of not only yourself but also your loved ones. It is a natural process and there is nothing no worry. In fact, go nag at your boyfriend now to sleep early instead of staying up till late watching movies.

You go to bed early
Staying up all night partying is no longer an option. If given the choice, you would just go back home and sleep. You no longer have the energy or the will to do the things you did when you were a teenager and that should be the way. There are more responsibilities for you now and you cannot be spending your time and energy just partying away the night. Also, your body needs rest after a long day of work.

You become more “kan cheong”
Worry is now a part of your life. “Oh my god, I need to hurry to work or I am going to be late” or “Oh no, train door closing, I need to run in” are phrases that will be running through your head. Even running to get a seat at the MRT is an option. Of course, not everyone displays the same kind of “kan cheong-ness” but one way or another, we are in a hurry to get something done or to go somewhere.

You complain about how expensive everything is
This, everyone would agree. When you start paying for things such as food, transport and phone bills, you realise how expensive all these are. That is why you work part-time to earn some cash until you get a full-time job. You also become more conscious of your spending and cafe-hopping no longer sounds like a good idea.

You start saving
You now know the importance of money and you start thinking about your future. This is why you start saving and cut down on unnecessary spending. This is important and the money you save now will come in handy later. As much as saving is good, do not over-save by missing out on meals or not buying necessary items. Save smart and you will have nothing to worry about.

So my fellow aunties, remember that being an auntie is more good than bad. And the next time someone calls you an auntie, remember to say: thank you.