LIKE many others, my phone would recurrently receive texts, pictures and videos, forcing me to delete most of them to free up storage space.

Moreover, 99% of the news and opinions were either inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or misinformed. And there are countless doctored photos and deep-fake videos and audio that most people would swallow hook, line and sinker.

However, I received a video clip recently that is a real gem and should be shared with as many people as possible. It is about giving something to someone for free.

The message is applicable to people you know such as your neighbours, co-workers, service personnel or strangers. It also applies to parents who have been spoiling their children by providing all their wants without getting them to work for them.

However, it is very pertinent to governments globally including ours. So, what are the repercussions if the same person continues to receive things for free? It could be from you or a government bent on seeking popularity instead of governing the country.

The first time you give something to somebody for free, you are creating appreciation.

The second time you give something to somebody for free, you are creating anticipation.

The third time you give something to somebody for free, you are creating expectations.

The fourth time you give something to somebody for free, you are creating entitlement.

The fifth time you give something to somebody for free, you are creating dependency.

If by the sixth time, you don’t give it to them, you are creating resentment and hatred.

However, it should not stop you from being charitable. But remember, wanting to help someone does not confer on you the right to do as you wish. You must ask for consent first.

Not all who require assistance would admit straightaway that they need help, and the poor or ignorant can have egos much bigger than the rich or knowledgeable.

But those who made the effort to provide genuine help without seeking fame or popularity are the ones with hearts of gold. - July 20, 2023

YS Chan is Asean tourism master trainer for travel agencies, master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel & Tours Enhancement Course. He is also a tourism and transport industry consultant and writer.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia 

https://focusmalaysia.my/pitfalls-of-offering-freebies-generosity-can-backfire/