DCFemella

When you do something nice for someone or give a gift, do you expect something in return?  Do you constantly remind the person of all the things that you have done for them?  It’s something that I never understood about some people.  They are always having to exclaim, “But I did this for you.”

It’s something that used to drive my sister and me wild.  Someone would do something for you.  However, she would be extremely mean, always put you down, and make your life a living hell.  When you got upset, she always rebutted with, “But I did that for you that one time, so you should be a little grateful.” It never stops.  The constant reminders.  I don’t know how people can live that way.  Shouldn’t they be content with the “thank you” they receive?  Do they think that one nice thing makes up for the 1,000 bad things that they are going to do or have done?

My sister Kristine volunteered and helped so many people.  Whenever you would tell her that she is doing such wonderful things, she would get flustered and say, “Oh stop, I do it cause I want to help people.”  I wish that some people would learn from that.  Even after her death, someone is constantly reminding us that she once gave Kristine a van. I remember Kristine talking about that once.  She said, “She always has to remind me that she did me this favor.  It’s like she is gloating that she has one up on me.”

In the past, I used to be one of those people.  “Well, I did THIS and THAT, so why can’t that person be grateful?”  I learned that this isn’t right way to be the older I get. I don’t need recognition or praise when I give to someone.  In my heart, I am happy that he/she is able to be in a better place.  If he/she forgets to thank me, then I don’t even think about it. It’s happened to me numerous times.  When I was younger, I would be irritated for days about it, but now, I just shrug my shoulder and hope that it helped. It’s something that I am teaching my children because I want them to learn this life lesson young.

I have met people who are that way.  They give and give, but then are so humble, that when you thank them, they behave the way my sister did. You don’t need to have constant recognition when you do something.  Just know that you did something good, and that’s it.