Uniqueness in My Family: Traits and Traditions

As an individual from an Indian family who experienced unique cultural and linguistic practices, my family is a testament to the extraordinary. It is highly unusual for a family to communicate entirely in English, which my family did. My parents insisted on only speaking in English to each other and to their children, and even to the domestic help, whereas the help learned to communicate in English to facilitate smoother interactions.

Cultural Traits and Practices

One incredibly unique trait is our family's behavior in being unsocial and unhelpful, as well as our striking physical characteristics. However, unlike being merely 'dark,' we are actually dark-skinned, and this is another distinguishing feature. Cleanliness is highly valued, and engaging in informal behavior is considered nearly devoid of moral value.

Physical Traits

To emphasize the family's uniqueness from a physical perspective, we all share a dominant trait – curved fingers. This trait is prevalent and has been passed down through generations on my father's side of the family. My sister and I like to joke that we have altered two bloodlines by marrying into families with non-curved fingers. While many others may share this trait, we have encountered very few outside our family.

Family Traditions

A cherished family tradition is the annual “book spree,” which we undertake using my tax return. Initially, my children received 50 each, but this amount has grown to 100 with each subsequent year. I ensure to cover the cost, allowing the children to make thoughtful selections from the bookstore. This tradition instills a love for reading and financial responsibility in my children. No other family or individuals we know have a similar tradition.

Adoption and Family Dynamics

The family composition is also unique, featuring 3 adopted and 3 biological children, creating a Brady-bunch-like setup. The adopted family includes two boys and one girl, while the biological family has two boys and one girl. This blend of adoptive and biological relationships creates a diverse and loving family environment.