Givers and Takers

In life there are givers and takers. Some happily and willingly give what’s needed or asked for. They do so with little to no hesitation and with very small regard to what they receive, if anything in return. The opposite is true as well.

There are those among us that take. They take our time, services, products, expertise, and anything else they can. They do so without thought or hesitation. Furthermore, they consistently and constantly do so. They typically have their eyes open asking with outstretched hands.

Unless you’re a hermit, you’ve probably interacted with both types discussed. You’ve probably formed opinions based on your experiences about which type of person you prefer. Interestingly enough, others have formed the same opinion of you.

How we interact with others is important. How we add value to our relationships is important. What we bring to our relationships is important. Those things may or may not be important to us, but to the person on the other side of our interaction. If we keep calling and visiting and asking for something it’s easy to determine if we’re givers or takers.

A buddy of mine says, “Price is only an issue in the absence of value” and I agree. I’m not sure if he coined the phrase or is parroting someone else. The reason for bringing up that quote is in thinking of our interactions and relationships, would have owe or be owed? Will I have a debit or credit balance? Do I offer more or take more? If a tally was done, where would I stand if a dollar amount was set to my interactions?

Each of these types of interactions are easily defined. We can see them clearly with little effort. If you look at your relationships, if you assess them honestly, which type of relationship do you have more of? Which type do you honestly enjoy? Which interactions work best for you? Which interactions do you look forward to the next interaction? What do you think the person on the other side of the interaction thinks?

It’s natural to think of ourselves first. I do so more often than I’d like to admit. But for every conversation, every phone call, every email, text message and the like, there’s someone on the other side. Am I adding value? Am I taking more than I give? Am I the type of person that enjoys those interactions?

These are some of the ways I work on enhancing my relationships. These are some of the things I ponder. These are the things that can help develop life long relationships as giver or takers. You must decide which you prefer. You must decide which you’d rather be. You must decide which you enjoy and how you’d like to be perceived.

Today, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, I am grateful that:

Victoria and I had a conversation earlier. She and I have collaborated on a few things and we’ll do so again moving forward. Great to work towards mutually beneficial relationships.

I’m applying my knowledge. I’ll write more about this tomorrow, but application of what I know and learn is vital in moving towards my objectives.

I’m making significant progress towards my launch. It’s taking longer than expected. In part cause it’s all new and in part because I lost a bit of direction. But I’m making great progress.

Rere

This is the first part of the entry.