The Givers and the Takers

There are people out there who have very little to their names but would give you the shirt off of their back. I admire those kinds of people. Then there are people out there who have plenty of money or time or both and they won’t give you an inch if you needed a mile. I don’t like those kinds of people.

I have an acquaintance who apparently feels that they are entitled to having others serve them without returning the favor; ever. They take and take and take but never go out of their way to help others. They’re the kind of person who would chip in exactly the amount they spent for their lunch when out with a group, but not pitch in for the tip. They arrive at BYOB events empty handed and drink everyone else’s stuff and at pot luck meals, they never contribute.

This person is a leader of many, who in my humble opinion should show good values that others should follow and yet I never see that happen. I see a perfect example of how not to be. I scratch my head and wonder how they achieved the status that they did.

Perhaps instead of being annoyed because of this person I should examine myself and be grateful that my mama and daddy taught me some great core values. I know I’m off the charts a little when it comes to doing things myself. I almost can’t ask for help, which is a weakness in itself. Maybe that’s why I’m so bothered by the takers. I feel that they are “less” because they won’t do anything for themselves. I feel that they are weak and lazy and worst of all, I have no respect for them.

I know that it’s not right to judge others and I’ve been working on improving my low opinion of the “taker” I have in mind. I’ve about come to the conclusion that the best way to remain unbothered is to simply avoid all interaction with this person. That in itself is difficult because I’m not the kind of person to walk away when someone needs help. It’s a vicious cycle.

I wonder if any of you have any helpful hints about how to deal with this sort of thing because while I am tied up in knots the “taker” is blissfully ignorant.