Give & Take Ratio

Give & Take is such a famous term. But what does it mean? Does it mean that, sometimes, we give, and sometimes, we HAVE to take? The term ‘Give & Take’ gives the impression that we have to be balanced. In mathematical sense, we must practice it at a ratio of 1:1.

Gee, I dunno. It doesn’t sound so right to me. Let’s dive in deeper into this. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios.

OK. Assuming you need help. On something that’s probably a little “out of the way”. Do you have someone at the tip of your mind to call? Yup, it’s that few people that you can ALWAYS rely on, no matter what. So, if they made it to your list, then these good people definitely have a “Give” factor greater than “Take”, or Give > Take. Make sense?

Now, do you have someone that’s ALWAYS demanding from you? No, I’m not talking about “asking' for help”, coz, there’s nothing wrong with that… I’m talking about “demanding”. And sometimes, even “expecting” something from you. Well, I have a few people in my mind right now, hehe. So, in this case, obviously, they have a “Give” factor lesser than “Take”, or Give < Take.

But hey! How about the other people in your life? Where does your best friend or the person you always hang-out with fall here? Why didn’t they pop into your mind so far? Well, I think it’s because they’d probably have a well balanced Give:Take ratio, at 1:1. (Hmm.. I think 'Normal Distribution curve' can be applied here.)

So, the big question is, as we head toward Maslow’s pinnacle of Hierarchy of Human Needs, what IS the perfect ratio for Give & Take? Well, my personal thought is, a "self-Actualized" person would probably have a Give:Take ratio of 1:0. All Give! And no Take. Here’s why:

When a person Gives and Gives and Gives - without ever asking for something in return, it shows sincerity. It also shows that he/she is generous, kind-hearted and patience – with no trace of greed at all. He/She would probably live longer and healthier too, because, without setting unrealistic expectations, he/she will not get disappointed. I picture people like these to be easy-on-the-eye as well as approachable :-)

Here's a good example: Noble parents are those who take care of their children, as God intended, and NEVER seek anything in return. My parents are like that. To me, they have a ratio of 1:0…. *tsk tsk.. feel bad for being such a pain to them*

So, to me, Give & Take is not such a meaningful term. It's the ratio that counts. Anyway, what’s your Give:Take ratio? Know anyone with a ratio of 1:0? Or even 0:1 (argh!)? Have a nice day :-)