[sameerds]

In my language (Marathi), we have a phrase for this which can be translated as "from the bowl into the plate". The intention is to expand the meaning of "me" to include people that matter. Then you no longer think of the money that you give out as a loan or a gift; you're merely spending it on your extended self.

I was afforded the "luxury" of doing a PhD instead of getting a job out of college because my older brother was working and assumed the financial responsibility of the house. Now I work too, and if the occasion arises, I am happy to part with reasonable sums of money without even thinking of whether it is meant to be repaid or not.

[wintermutesGhst]

This idea really resonates with me, and is a notion I've been working through without really having words that express it.

Could you share the untranslated phrase if I wanted to read more about it?

[sameerds]

The original phrase is "वटीतून ताटात", pronounced as "vaatitun tatat", but with two different sounds for the "t". A "vaati" or "katori" is a small bowl, several of which are placed inside the plate in a meal. The idea is that you are the bowl and your family is the plate; irrespective of whether food is served in the bowl or the plate, finally you are the one who enjoys it.