GENEROSITY and RECEIVING

GENEROSITY and RECEIVING
This is not a topic I’ve thought about for along time.
In working with others today (and I remember when I was the same), I often ask them at how they are when they receive a compliment.
Many handle compliments very poorly. They don’t know how to say a gracious and humble plain “Thank You”, but babble and spot about how it was nothing, feel uncomfortable inside and some even wonder what the other person wants. If these situations fit you today, we should talk. There is an issue.
Many we know give generously and freely, but cannot accept gifts in return. My reading said:
To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
--Confucius

”Some of us were raised to decline generosity -  to argue over who pays the restaurant bill, not to accept money for helping someone out, not to accept food or drink at someone's home. Some of these beliefs have strong cultural ties. Others are just a fear of imposing. We don't want to be a bother.

Generosity is a two-way street. It's just as important for someone to be generous as it is to accept the offerings. Most of us like to be generous. When we're being genuine, from the heart, with no strings attached, being generous makes us feel good – it makes us feel great. We have no reason to deny others that feeling (unless, of course, these are strings attached). In fact, our own generosity is probably just coming back to us.”

Good points made. I love the “when we are being genuine” qualifier. Many of us give to please others to fill a gap in us, and I question whether this is genuine.
If there are things that jump out at you in reading this, and you get that funny feeling inside, respond to this blog. I’d love to see responses and even better, talk to a few who squirm a bit when they read this.