When we do some thing right, we feel good.
When we help someone when they least expect it, we feel good.
Remembering the little things about others, making them feel special and cherished, bringing a smile on their face, appreciating them, encouraging them and leaving them alone when they need 'space'...oh! so many things to feel good about.
What if this goodness of ours is taken for granted?
Dad stays alone...mostly. And we know our neighbors for ages. By inherent nature, dad is good, helpful and considerate. He will go out of his way to help others even if it inconveniences him.
It so happened that our immediate neighbor was renovating their house and they needed a place to dump their unwanted 'stuff' and our open balcony (which we seldom use) served their purpose just fine and dad even allowed them to.
The renovation has long been completed, but their 'things' are still lying on our balcony.
I am very particular about cleanliness and keeping this in mind, dad asked them to remove those things before I went home visiting.
Even after three reminders, they haven't removed their things.
Should we still be good and let them take advantage of it or should we be firm and persuade them to clean up?
Will we be tagged bad or insensitive if we point out others' callousness?
Will you put up with such behavior from others?
When we help someone when they least expect it, we feel good.
Remembering the little things about others, making them feel special and cherished, bringing a smile on their face, appreciating them, encouraging them and leaving them alone when they need 'space'...oh! so many things to feel good about.
What if this goodness of ours is taken for granted?
Dad stays alone...mostly. And we know our neighbors for ages. By inherent nature, dad is good, helpful and considerate. He will go out of his way to help others even if it inconveniences him.
It so happened that our immediate neighbor was renovating their house and they needed a place to dump their unwanted 'stuff' and our open balcony (which we seldom use) served their purpose just fine and dad even allowed them to.
The renovation has long been completed, but their 'things' are still lying on our balcony.
I am very particular about cleanliness and keeping this in mind, dad asked them to remove those things before I went home visiting.
Even after three reminders, they haven't removed their things.
Should we still be good and let them take advantage of it or should we be firm and persuade them to clean up?
Will we be tagged bad or insensitive if we point out others' callousness?
Will you put up with such behavior from others?
It feels great to help people out. The problem is when we say that we need "nothing" back in return for our kindness that is exactly what we get. What these type of people don't understand is, we expect kindness and consideration back. They can get away with that crap once and then it's time to stand firmly and tell them enough is enough. Yes, remind them once more and if nothing gets done simply return their property to them, in front of their door, in their parking spot, or whatever you feel to be appropriate. Anyone who takes advantage of another is plain disrespectful, to take advantage of an older person is downright despicable.
ReplyDeleteI would tell them to clean up and if not done then I would pack up for them and place their goods neatly and properly in front of their front door with a note saying ..."Thank You for allowing me to help you"
ReplyDeleteJen and Savira...thank you. That's what I am going to do...return their stuff with thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh my, did I love this post, Janaki. Seen this type of behaviour too often. I think it's encouraged by our attempts to be 'nice'. Since you're the visitor, you can do the 'deed' of returning the stuff and so your Dad can still be Mr Wonderful to these people. As long as they realize that you won't tolerate them taking advantage. You know we're all rooting for you - go get them (or in this case, give them!)
ReplyDeleteOh!! This is irritating. I can understand your feelings. Helping is good, but not on the expense of our loss. I must say "good is for good people". For those who can make good out of it, not for those who don't even thank you for whatever you do for them.
ReplyDeleteAsk them to remove their stuff or warn them that you'll sell their stuffs(if they are useless).
Anyways, Happy Diwali.
God bless!! :)
It is always right to act out of the goodness of our hearts, but there will, from time to time, be those people who take advantage of our kindness. Savira's advice was great and I am glad you are taking it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful post, Janu!
Blessings, and Happy Diwali!