Yes, there's a big difference. Atleast in our family.
My father was a spirited person. He gave us the greatest gift a parent could give a child - Reading. Not only was he a voracious reader himself, he would always make sure we have a huge collection of books at our disposal all times in the house - didn't matter that they were mostly used and tattered ones. And, he used to talk to us constantly when we were little. There would be debates on literature, science, philosophy, religion, travel - you name it. We have had discussions on just about everything. He loved it even more when we question on why's and how's and argue with him. To him, this was a sign of progress. Also, his sense of humor was unstoppable and infectious. Seriously.
My favorite quote of his - You have been given a brain. Use it.
My mother on the other hand always stayed out of these things and was always busy with household duties. Came time and when we grew older, she took charge. She is the most mature parent that a child could ever have. So forgiving and always giving others the benefit of doubt. I have never seen her bad-mouth anyone, anytime. She has been teaching us how to lead our life and even this day continues to do so. So strong and resolute that you would feel nothing can shake her. A monument of support. And, always positive and looking at brighter side of things.
My favorite quote of hers - No situation remains the same for ever. Everything changes. Just wait.
The following content is purely a figment of my observation and is directly and intentionally connected to real life situations and people. So, if someone is offended, well....don't take it personal, relax, take a chill pill... Ok, after that loosely-construed disclaimer, on which I took a painstaking, laborious, thoughtful, five whole minutes to come up with....on to the main topic. I've waited for a while to ramble on what i've seen, heard and reasonably projected observations of my homeland and here it goes. On a serious note... - India can best be described as an old, rusty but still-working machine. Looks messy and cranky on the outside, but once you're in and get settled, one comes to realize that there's a vague sense of order and things do go in a strange, but definite pattern. I guess that's what keeps us going on and not disintegrated already into anarchy. - A country that's only 63 years young has still a viable, democractic government, seems ama