Give and Take

I feel sad when I see siblings that are not chums, parents that are not friends, and relatives that are not allies. I feel sad when I see a rising number of people paying 50 dollars an hour to have them heard by a therapist. Whats the problem?

The problem is that we take our relationships for granted. We think being born from the same womb or having the same blood entitles us to get the attention that we need. We think a blood-relation is an obligation on others, but not on us. We don't believe in the principle of give and take.

Look around. Give and take is happening everywhere. We let the sun use our solar system. We gave him a place to stay. In return, he gives us light and heat, that we use to grow the grain and so much more. A mother feeds her baby and cares for her. In return, the child loves the mother back. We spend hours and hours studying for the exams, and the results reward us.

I know, love should be selfless. Love should be selfless when you are giving it, but not when you are receiving it. Sincerity begets sincerity and kindness begets kindness. If we don't have the time to go the extra mile for a relative, why should they bother doing that for us? If we don't have the time to praise our brother or sister, and nurture their talent, why should we be treated any differently? If we can't commit ourselves to the person we say we love, why should we get anything in return? If we don't support our spouses and always flaunt a frown, why do we think they are obligated under the law to please us?

This is how it is. Give, and take.