When I was 12-13 years old, I remembered my Mom’s birthday was on Mother’s day. I wanted to make the occasion very special, but as a broke teen, I couldn’t go and buy her a gift. So, I just the simplistic way and decide to make her a card. I drew tiny illustrations and colored the blank space with glitter. With the cherry on top, I added the title "Happy Birthday and Mother’s Day." I barged into her room and happily shouted. As I handed her the card, she paused and stared at it before screaming me out of how disrespectful I was because I handed her gift with my left hand. It was in out culture that we always handed our elders with our right hand (something I never knew about). My dad took my mom’s side and I was down the entire day.
NTA, you didn’t know better.
NTA. I’m speechless.
NTA – No, you were a kid and your parents decided to blame you for something that honestly was not a big deal. Their behavior was cruel.
NTA. Nasty put down.
NO! You are NTA!! Your parents, however, are!! You took time to make something special for your mom and in your excitement….oh no you used the wrong hand (sarcasm!)….wow, just wow. Your parents suck for making you feel bad!! If you have a good relationship with them now, maybe talk to them about how hurt you were. If not, relish the knowledge that you are in the right. Hugs!!
NTA, but sounds like there might have been something bothering her before the gift giving.
NTA. But WTF culture requires Queen of England level manners with their own children?
I’m sure they’ve mentally scarred you in many other ways and I hope you moved far, far away from this ridiculousness and don’t require it of, really, anyone.
Indian culture. The left hand is considered unclean and reserved for personal hygiene. Meanwhile, all offerings, eating, shaking hands, etc is done with the right.
How was when you were 12 or 13 the first time you heard about this custom from your culture if it was such a major thing?
NTA…how old are you now? And does she normally pop off over small things with you? Because that was a major overreaction to a child wanting to honor you.
NTA. If no one told you, how were you supposed to know?
Nta, and the fact that you still feel guilty over this tells me your parents never let up on it. I’m sorry, sweetie.
‘When I was 12-13 years old’ and how old are you now? How long ago was this? Even if this is considered disrespectful by your culture it’s your parent’s job to teach you.
From the phrasing of everything, I’m worried this is something that happened years ago that your mom brings up to manipulate/hurt you. Either that or you have anxiety and are having trouble letting go of a mistake (if one could call it that, since that’s debatable)
NTA. Something being “cultural” is not excuse for abuse, degradation, screaming, or making someone feel bad about doing something kind.
Sounds like the “culture” is toxic here, and you did nothing wrong.