You know the whole “give & take” ideology that we live by? You’re supposed to give something to the world, society, or someone in order to get back something in return. If I’m being completely honest, it’s a two way street. Then as generations have changed, we reached to a stage that it’s more of a one way street; it’s either you’re giving and getting nothing back, or getting something and not giving back.
Well, yesterday I’ve noticed a new turn in this story. People are not ready to accept good gestures in life if they know that it doesn’t cost them anything in return. Whether it was in business, or our everyday life. I was having dinner with a friend in a restaurant when I found myself thinking the same way; the waiter approached us with a bowl of soup, a big platter that has every kind of appetizer, bread, and a bottle of water (All this, complimentary or “on the house”.) First loud thought that I shared? “Wait, why are we given all this when it’s already on the menu and can be ordered? Is it expired? Has it gone bad? Well, something isn’t right and I don’t trust it.” This is what we’ve reached to. A while ago, I also encountered an experience where people were being invited to a conference for free, with nothing to be asked for in return except for them to share an educational opportunity, and what was the first response by the people in charge? “What? It’s a free educational opportunity? What do we have to do? Nothing? Well, isn’t this new…” This is what really ticked this topic in my mind. How people are always surprised when they’re offered something good in life with nothing in return. We don’t stop and think that maybe some people in life are actually genuine enough to share their goods or their services.
Humans are making money out of everything, whether it was health, education, food, or any other main aspect in our lives. Maybe for once, we could celebrate the success and the bliss we are surrounded by, by doing a good deed and giving back while not waiting for something in return. Present a gesture no matter how small, even if nothing tangible is given back to you, something more valuable will automatically be present within you, which is a good feeling about yourself.