Saying Thank You

You know that saying that it is better to give than to receive? Most of the time, it is nicer to be on the receiving end, but sometimes, it is actually true. There is that warm feeling in your chest when you know you have done something for someone else that makes life better for them. It is even better when they are not expecting it, or when you do not want anything in return.

What happens though when it is a one-way street? When you are the only one who keeps on giving? What happens when there is a feeling of entitlement, when the recipient takes it as a given? What happens when they expect an arm, when all you did was extend your hand? What happens when things are never good enough? Let me tell you, the first thing that dissapears is that warm fuzzy feeling I mentioned above. Then comes resentment. To add insult to injury, what if they never even say "thank you"?

We all have charitable causes that we believe in. Sometimes we give because a friend is involved and we want to show support for their cause. Even those organizations send out automatically-generated email messages saying how much they appreciate your donation. A lot of people have a weekly tithing obligation to their religious organization. They see the fruit of their labors in the weekly bulletin or newsletter. Then of course there are some who have family obligations. It is disturbing when I hear of parents who have a dozen children, in the hope that one of them can take them out of poverty. They are harnessed into making it their life's work to provide, most often, without a single word of appreciation.

It feels good when people acknowledge what you have done for them. Even when you do not have a choice. Even when you have to. Giving out of the goodness of your heart certainly feels better than giving out of duty.