Giving and Receiving

The disparity of giving and receiving is often the cause of conflict in a relationship. There is almost always one who gives, gives, gives, and then is disappointed when nothing comes in return, and another who takes, takes, takes, but cannot truly appreciate what they are receiving. Resentment ensues, and what began as a passionate and committed relationship grinds to an abrupt and unexpected halt. In some cases, years are spent bearing this resentment, both parties accumulating an exhaustive list of reproaches as thick as a phonebook.

Those who give while expecting something in return, give with condition. Ultimately, they feel like they don’t deserve; an old, forgotten feeling, still lying there deep down, covered in resentment and demanding retribution.

This is also valid for the other half of the equation: those who don’t have the capacity to give, only to take from another. For them, nothing is ever enough, they are never satisfied; they take, but they cannot receive.

In both cases love must be found within, and when it is discovered, the fear of giving dissolves. With it goes the fear of receiving. Then, a new cycle is formed, that starts with giving, always giving, unconditionally. As a consequence, you begin to truly receive: everything comes to you, flowing in an eternal circle of unbounded, unconditional love, which knows only to share and to flow.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Barbara K.

11:49AM PDT on May 31, 2011

I am lucky to have the ability to give unconditionally. I am a lover and a giver. I don't ask for anything in return, but when I can give love, I receive love. You just cannot receive love without giving love. The same is true that if you don't know how to receive love, it is hard to give love. I also have the ability to receive love. It has taken many years to learn the balance, and to steer away from takers who will only break your heart. Once you learn to be a giver and a receiver, the rest just comes naturally. A romance cannot survive a one-sided relationship. Always choose love, you never know when it will be the right one, but when it is, it is the most marvelous feeling of joy you will ever know.

send a green star

Sadashiv D.

9:24AM PST on Jan 15, 2011

"The disparity of giving and receiving is often the cause of conflict in a relationship. There is almost always one who gives, gives, gives, and then is disappointed when nothing comes in return, and another who takes, takes, takes, but cannot truly appreciate what they are receiving. Resentment ensues, and what began as a passionate and committed relationship grinds to an abrupt and unexpected halt. In some cases, years are spent bearing this resentment, both parties accumulating an exhaustive list of reproaches as thick as a phonebook" Mya nswer to this problem is do not judge.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/giving-and-receiving.html#ixzz1B7qd2PF4

Patricia B.

10:03AM PST on Dec 26, 2010

Buen artículo

10:02AM PST on Dec 26, 2010

Catherine C.

9:18AM PST on Dec 6, 2010

Thank you!

Debbie M.

2:03PM PST on Dec 4, 2010

...and choosing for love is choosing what is Godly. And indeed the Spirit of God would have us know that ThanksGIVING is the first Law. This is what Maitreya of the Mission of Maitreya teaches.

www.maitreya.org to learn more.

Karin M.

5:04PM PST on Nov 22, 2010

thank you

Cynthia H.

3:29PM PST on Nov 21, 2010

I love giving - which doesn't just mean gifts but also doing things to make another's life easier, better, happier, etc. Some times though I love for acknowledgement - not a return favor but a simple "thank you." This doesn't happen nearly as often as I wish and I some times find myself angry about it. This is an area I need to work on.

Denina T.

12:26PM PST on Nov 21, 2010

I'm definitely going to be a giver this Christmas!

Edgar Z.

7:08AM PST on Nov 21, 2010

As Jesus Christ taught us: we must give without expecting anything in return. I feel the pleasure of giving is often better than the pleasure of receiving.