String Theory

Herself has an acquaintance who has strings:  strings, strings, strings, stretching invisibly from everything that the acquaintance says and does, to try to bind others.  If one asks this acquaintance for a favor, one will suddenly find oneself obligated by a string to offer something return.  Performance is not strictly quid pro quo; perhaps a hefty serving of "thank-you-so-much-you-are-so-magnificent-for-assisting-me-and-I-am-appreciative-beyond-measure" will suffice, particularly if it is presented in the vicinity of others who will hear of the acquaintance's beneficence accordingly.

The acquaintance is quite concerned that things be EQUAL among people.  Once, Herself mentioned to the acquaintance that she was preparing various foodstuffs to bring to a friend's house for movie night.  "Oh?  And what is your friend providing?" was the inquiry.  "Friend is providing the venue, beverages, and Friend's valuable company," was the answer.  The acquaintance huffed slightly, as if this was not quite a fair exchange, but mercifully moved on to other topics.  Such an attitude rankles Herself, and thus, we are contemplating strings.

We have discussed previously our thoughts on the exchange associated with helping another individual.  Giving of help, in Herself's perspective, must not entail strings -- for string-laden help diminishes the person who is receiving the aid.  Herself extends the same sentiments to all human interactions:  in giving, one should never expect any particular return.  She wishes she could bring her acquaintance to understand this viewpoint, for it is quite liberating. 

With no strings, one need not keep a running calculation of who owes what to whom; with no strings, one is free to be grateful for all of the little things. 

Kahlil Gibran has beautifully captured the essence of giving.  My favorite words from his composition are:

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

It is my joy, to give to you.  There are no strings.