Growing up, many of us swore we'd never become our parents.
Yet somehow, one day, you find yourself standing with your hands behind your back at a hardware store, complaining about electricity bills and checking whether the front gate is locked for the third time.
Whether we like it or not, our dads have influenced us more than we realise. Here are some classic habits many Malaysians unknowingly inherited from their fathers.
1. Turning Off Every Unused Light
You walk into an empty room and immediately switch off the lights.
Suddenly, you're concerned about electricity consumption and wondering if someone thinks TNB bills pay themselves.
You have officially entered dad territory.
2. Checking The Tyres Before A Long Drive
You may not know much about cars, but somehow, before any road trip, you instinctively glance at the tyres.
It's a habit that probably came from years of hearing your dad remind everyone about road safety before balik kampung trips.
3. Doing A Full Security Check Before Bed
Doors? Checked.
Windows? Checked.
Gate? Checked.
Lights? Checked.
Every night feels like you're conducting a mini security patrol around the house. Exactly like dad used to.
4. Refusing To Throw Away Something That's Still Usable
The item is old.
It's slightly damaged.
You haven't used it in three years.
But can it still function?
If the answer is yes, it's staying.
After all, it might come in handy one day.
5. Comparing Prices Before Buying Anything
Remember when your dad spent ages comparing prices between different shops?
Now you're doing the same thing.
One item, three shopping apps, five tabs open and fifteen minutes of research before clicking "Buy Now."
6. Becoming The Family's Designated Driver
Someone needs a ride.
Someone needs to be picked up.
Someone else needs to be dropped off.
Before you know it, you're spending half your weekends waiting in the car park.
The family chauffeur role has officially been passed down.
7. Owning An Unexpected Collection Of Tools
It starts with one screwdriver.
Then a wrench.
Then a hammer.
A few years later, you have an entire toolbox and feel oddly proud whenever you get to use it.
8. Standing With Your Hands Behind Your Back
At supermarkets.
At furniture stores.
At renovation sites.
At car showrooms.
It's a stance many dads seem to master, and somehow, you've adopted it too without ever noticing.
9. Getting Annoyed When People Waste Food
Someone leaves a few spoonful's of rice on their plate and suddenly you're delivering a lecture.
You now understand why your dad always insisted that food shouldn't be wasted.
10. Complaining About The Air Conditioning
"Why is it so cold in here?"
"Electricity free ah?"
The words come out of your mouth before you even realise it.
Congratulations. You've unlocked another dad habit.
11. Giving Directions Even Though Everyone Has Waze
Waze says one thing.
You say another.
"I know a shortcut."
The shortcut somehow takes longer, but your confidence never wavers.
12. Giving Advice Nobody Asked For
The mechanic didn't ask.
The contractor didn't ask.
The electrician definitely didn't ask.
Yet somehow, you still have valuable suggestions to share.
Just like dad.
13. Refusing To Pay For Expensive Parking
RM10 parking?
Absolutely not.
You'll happily spend 25 minutes circling the area looking for a cheaper option.
Because it's not about the money anymore.
It's about principle.
We Really Did Become Our Dads
The funny thing about growing up is realising that many of the habits we once laughed at eventually become our own.
From switching off lights to guarding leftovers in the fridge, these little behaviours are reminders of the lessons, values and quirks our dads passed down to us over the years.
And while we may never admit it out loud, some of those dad habits have actually turned out to be pretty useful.
