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The original was posted on /r/india by /u/tychoofficial on 2025-10-06 14:26:34+00:00.

When I was a kid and family having financially weak background, I saw my parents compromise on a lot of things; even their health. They’d avoid doctor visits, skip tests, and delay treatments because they simply couldn’t afford it back then. It was understandable, but over time, that habit turned into a mindset.

Even after I started working in IT and things got better financially, they still behaved the same way. They’d refuse to visit good doctors if the consultation fee seemed “too high,” or avoid getting lab tests done because they felt the reports were “too expensive.” It was heartbreaking and frustrating at the same time.

No matter how much I told them we could afford it now, they wouldn’t listen. They’ve lived frugally for so long that spending on themselves felt wrong to them.

So I tried something different; I told them my company reimburses up to ₹1 lakh every year for any treatment, including dental and eye checkups, as long as the bills are in their name.

That small lie changed everything. They started going for checkups, got proper dental treatment, and even bought good-quality spectacles with better lenses. For the first time, they were taking care of themselves without guilt :)

I know lying isn’t ideal, but honestly, I don’t regret it at all. It’s been one of the few ways to make them prioritize their health after years of self-neglect.

Has anyone else had to do something similar to get their parents to take care of themselves?