I always tried to find the meaning of the quote “It’s better to give than receive.” Sure it feels awesome to give to others, but does it feel awesome when others don’t show gratitude?
I found myself disappointed in others not appreciating the time, effort and energy I put into doing something nice for them. It was an additional blow when nice gestures aren’t reciprocated. It drove me to think: Is it better to give to myself than to receive heartbreak from others?
What’s wrong with giving to yourself? Who is going to spoil you the way you can spoil yourself? I think we should consider our own needs opposed to sacrificing for other who probably won’t sacrifice for you.
I think it's a balance. I feel awful too when nice gestures aren't reciprocated, but I would just let it go. Keeping grudges makes the hurt last longer. And who's stopping you from pampering yourself from time to time? Go ahead if it makes you feel better!
I sure could use some pampering right now.
Whether or not I have found the balance, I am not sure, but I think it involves keeping in mind these things:
- Give without expecting anything in return.
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If someone does not appreciate a gift, perhaps consider instead giving to another who would. For those of "repeat offenses", more than likely this person is not one you should give to any more. (Unfortunately, without trial and experience, it is hard to determine which person falls in which groups, and there are some who will take advantage of others.)
- Take care of yourself, first. As I am learning, one cannot constantly fill others' cups without first filling one's own. Paraphrasing Miko Lau (a "life coach" of sorts I have had the pleasure learning from and getting to know): Fill your cup [take care of your own needs] first, and have the ensuing "overflow" drip into others.
Granted, Miko's advice is more for a person's energy and emotional/mental well-being, but I assume it can be used for finances, as well.
Another analogy is of the [unfortunate to happen] starving parent/caretaker who refuses to eat and gives all the food to the child. In likelihood, these actions will cause both to perish [unless an outside force intervenes].
When you give don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing, it's not about how (you) feel when you give, the one who created everything knows and that's what counts.
Yes it's always good to take care of yourself and love yourself
Good topic. I use to give more than I had. Not to smart. It feels good to give but only if you have excess. If you give good wishes, a flower 
or small things that should be sufficient. Helping someone is giving. I think I use to give to make myself feel better about myself. Now I take care of myself and I feel good and can be kinder 
to everyone.
New to this. What does everyone we think so far?
Always take care of yourself!!
Hmmm… maybe you’re giving with the expectation of receiving?
never thought of that saying in terms of debt?
An open hand leaves room to receive. Give from the heart not the mindset of receiving in return.
