Originally posted by kiki46Sounds as if you've been 'people watching' in different business and social settings for decades.
What are you?
In my years I have met both.Many of the givers I realized only did it to get more in return.There were also many takers who I never knew how much they really needed, and maybe still don't know.It sure is humbling to realize the give and take of life.
Guess the honest thing to do here is to admit that, from time to time, most of us are both. gb
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It's not a matter of pride, but, I'm a giver and have been since I can remember. I don't take credit for it at all, because I was just made that way. I recall an episode when I was around 12 years old.
I was in the city of Atlanta, attending the annual Arts & Crafts Fair, where my Dad played trombone for the Atlanta Concert Band.
I was walking down the street, aimlessly, and came across a poor black kid. Back in those days, the idea was for white folk like me to steer clear of black people. We whites were scared of black people. But instead I was drawn to him and we got to talking. I soon realized he didn't have anything close to the life I had in the suburbs. So without thinking twice, I gave him the only $5.00 I had. He was grateful.
When I told my Dad about it later, he chastised me for it...
It's the way I always was and still am. Material things are best used as gifts to improve the quality of life of others. I'm a minimalist at home and have very little. Only what's critical in my life. As long as my family is provided for, I constantly think of ways to help others with the gravy I have left over. Often, it's strangers.
Once I was horribly mistreated by a waiter at Waffle House. Worst service I ever had. He was hateful and never refilled my drink or showed me a shred of concern. He slammed my food down on the counter. I could tell he was having a horrible, horrible day. One thing that tipped me off is I watched him and he made himself a cup of coffee, and with a "the world can go to hell" look and attitude about him, he filled his cup up with at LEAST 10 tablespoons of sugar... I could see that he was coming unhinged. I was going to complain about him to Waffle House Corporate but this voice inside me convinced me to do something else instead. I tipped him $25.00 and left the restaurant. A few times I've wondered if that melted the ice in his heart a little bit. My only regret about it is, I should have taken the opportunity to write "God bless you" on a napkin next to the tip.
My neighbor--and I don't even know his name--I see him toting his clothes to the laundromat once a week. I hatched a plan to have my (new) washer and dryer sitting in front of his door at the end of this year--and was going to talk my wife into an upgrade to make it happen. Unfortunately, he just moved away a few days ago so it didn't happen. I guess that was meant to be. I was hesitant anyway because I didn't want to embarrass him.
Oh well... just thinking outloud... please don't attack me... I'll stop.
Makin' a living the old hard way
Takin' and giving by day by day
I dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
My dog Sam eats purple flowers
We ain't got much but what we got's ours
We dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I feel fine I'm talkin' bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time I'm gettin' the good sign
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Loving the free and feelin' spirit
Of huggin' a tree when you get near it
Diggin' the snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I feel fine I'm talkin' bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time I'm gettin' the good sign
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line).....
Been decades since I thought of this gentle song! thx
Originally posted by sumydid
It's not a matter of pride, but, I'm a giver and have been since I can remember. I don't take credit for it at all, because I was just made that way. I recall an episode when I was around 12 years old.
I was in the city of Atlanta, attending the annual Arts & Crafts Fair, where my Dad played trombone for the Atlanta Concert Band.
I was walking down t ...[text shortened]... .
Oh well... just thinking outloud... please don't attack me... I'll stop.
I don't take credit for it at all...
Originally posted by Kewpie"Sounds as if you've been 'people watching' in different business and social settings for decades.
Not a single person posting in this thread will admit to being a taker.
Guess the honest thing to do here is to admit that, from time to time, most of us are both." gb
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Best gifts ever given: your time to the elderly; your ear to the young; your patience and forgiveness to all (including strangers and false friends).
Originally posted by HandyAndyOther than in a bent philosophical light, untrue. Neither are non-subscribers ever to be the rightful objects of your disdain. Some lack interest and/or money. Some have precious little time. These folks would find no marginal utility of value or return on shelling out dough unnecessarily. Sweeping generalizations are still generally suspect and unreliable. If you must compare, do so on the basis of post content (and, maybe, chess rating in the Chess Only Forum). gb
All the non-subscribers are takers, whether they admit it or not.
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