Generosity

Written by Matthew Needham

The world has probably yet to see a person that chronically dislikes receiving presents. Why? Well, whether we needed the gift, just wanted it, or perhaps accepted it and forgot about it, the gesture of kindness is something that stays with us and creates a mental tie between the giver and the kindness they expressed. On the flip side, it is an acquired taste to enjoy giving; as children we never enjoyed buying that toy for our friend because we thought we might enjoy it too. I think that generosity is essential to friendship creating and maintaining because it is a step above verbal assent and support. To give of your time, money, skills, and resources is a crucial way to create or strengthen a friendship that will last your lifetime. Many times, an act of service can be just what someone else needs in their life to lift them up, and you might not even know it. I believe that any exercise in generosity is as much of a personal character-building tool as it is a kind gesture of love to the recipient.