Do You Have Poor Relations?

Photo taken by me – question mark
Preston, England
October 22, 2016 4:43am CST
This phrase can be used both literally and idiomatically, or allegorically. Poor relations can be the poor relations overlooked or neglected by wealthier cousins, brothers or parents. The phrase may also refer to poor (limited or tense) communications between relations who rarely if ever talk to one another. Many of us hope that if a wealthy relative dies they include us in the will, or that living relatives might share a lottery windfall with us. Many eager to embark on some business venture may hope for support from a wealthy family benefactor but the wealthier family members may regard the poorer relatives as little better than any other beggars. There is something miserly about not giving a relative a share if you have millions in the bank, but it is also quite mercenary for poor relatives to expect a hand-out from a wealthier cousin, uncle, grand-father etc. Money may be kept from poorer relatives due to poor relations, as in an ongoing family feud – someone who disrupted a family wedding or refused to go to a family funeral / christening, etc. should not be surprised on not getting a cheque through the post when a windfall comes in. I remember when my gran died, relatives were quick to plunder her household ornaments and collected brick-a-brack to take off to their own houses or sell. It was like watching a pack of hyenas waiting for the lions to leave a carcass alone, quite revolting. Other motives may be down to miserly greed or a sense that the poor relation is poor through bad finance – is it worth giving quarter of a million dollars or pounds sterling to someone you expect to booze it away or gamble it away overnight? I am a poor relation in not currently having any rich ones though if my sister won the lottery I know she wouldn’t offer me a penny. Then again, if I won a fortune I would leave her out of any shares too. Arthur Chappell
13 people like this
10 responses
@Poppylicious (11133)
22 Oct 16
I am the poor relation, in more ways than one. Thankfully my family are unaware of this, so I don't have to worry about them looking down on me, feeling sorry for me, or laughing at me. *grin*
2 people like this
@Vjvals (906)
• Roseville, California
22 Oct 16
I know of people who have taken from those who were in need but I'm laughing at them because they are close in line to have the same thing happen. I like earning my own way and assistance for those who are not able.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
22 Oct 16
there is a way to quietly hope those things ARE shared, and that's by not asking, and being a decent person. Be helpful, be around, write them, show you care. You will be a better person for it, and if they do leave you something, well there is just a good reward for doing the right thing
2 people like this
@celticeagle (157281)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Oct 16
Oh, it is all about money isn't it? You and your sister really have quite a relationship don't you? I'm glad I never had any siblings.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45671)
• Philippines
22 Oct 16
yeah, it would be nice if families really helped each other and not abuse each other's support, either. yes, there are people in my life i would still help if i suddenly come into wealth.
2 people like this
@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
22 Oct 16
I have "poor relations" of the third kind.. as in they are rich in material means, but are poor excuse for human beings
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@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
23 Oct 16
@CoralLevang Indeed.. not impressed with some of their conducts
1 person likes this
@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
25 Oct 16
@CoralLevang I concur
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40250)
• United States
24 Oct 16
I always wondered what that phrase meant - poor / not wealthy or poor / not well... and now I know. Thought provoking
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19706)
• India
22 Oct 16
@arthurchappell No,I think most of them are comfortable.So no poor relations.There are one or two,whom I have helped in the past and will do so in future,if I can.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43451)
• Denver, Colorado
22 Oct 16
I haven't spoken to my family in about seven years. Should have done it long before that.
1 person likes this
@Sasquatchy (1131)
• Canada
22 Oct 16
I'm on both sides of the fence too. I'm in with my sister, but out with my brothers.
1 person likes this
@jennyjoy (1961)
• Bangalore, India
22 Oct 16
The family is doing well. Whenever they were home on vacation they took what they wanted.My parents never refused. Finally there was nothing left. So,yes the rest of the family is rich,God Bless them!
1 person likes this