give before you get

I read this great article about a Stranger Exchange box in Boston (inspired by what one of the creators had seen in Chicago). It’s worth a read, but got me thinking about the concept of reciprocity. The idea with this box is that you “give before you get.”

I buy into this concept and find myself happily giving first in lots of cases. However, how long can one go on giving without getting before they throw in the towel or start feeling resentful.

The key here for me is that while we should, and hopefully are willing to give first (and sometimes not even get anything in return), it is a critical step to get something in return-whether it be something material or more spiritual in nature.

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