Agency to Reciprocate when Due

We can tend to feel like we owe it to people to always reciprocate. That’s what good people do... right? Not necessarily. It's also good to recognize what the intentions are behind what is offered.

Sometimes, we give back because it's just become a habit or a nicety, which is fine- if you have the time, money and energy to do so and still have room to give back to those who really do deserve to be shown appreciation.

Other times, reciprocal action is definitely not due. If you are continuing to give back to people without discernment, you can inadvertently feed into bad behaviours. One of these is "smuggling" - when people give when you haven't yet agreed (or even said no) to the exchange in a hope to build "credit" with you. This is essentially giving you a gift- with a side order of guilt and expectations.

Think about who might deserve your time and energy today- and give them the gift of telling them how much you appreciate them. Because they deserve it- and because you want to. Because it's due.

Previous intention on this theme:

• Give when you can - https://www.youtube.com/live/jBe5yCpb5_0