Say, "Yes, thank you!"

Have you ever tried to do someone a favor, and they wouldn't accept it? Or you tried to pay for a friend's lunch, but they won't hear of it? How does that make you feel?

As human beings we are hard-wired to enjoy giving--our time, our energy, our focus, even our money--to those who can appreciate it. When our gifts go unappreciated, or unaccepted, we feel bad.

Unfortunately our culture has taken the "It's better to give than to receive" advice way too seriously. It's nice to give, and it's nice to receive too. Try to do some of both. Next time someone wants to give you something, say yes, and do it joyfully. Don't say, "You shouldn't have." Just say yes and show your appreciation. You'll make their day. (And yours won't be so bad, either.)

Reciprocally,
Kara