See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving. Kahlil Gibran. On Giving in The Prophet
Note: read the complete chapter at: http://www.columbia.edu/~gm84/gibran5.html
To give a gift; one must have no requirement for reciprocity; indeed no desire or expectation.
If one expects as little as a "thank you"; then it is no longer a gift but an exchange or a barter:
something for acknowledgement or something for courtesy; or something for gratitude; or something for even more.
If there is an implied contract; or an obligation created -- then it is a sale.
This does not mean we cannot take pleasure in giving; but in so doing the pleasure is our payment.
This does not mean we cannot take satisfaction in a gift being used, appreciated or cherished; but the satisfaction is our payment.
The best gifts are set free; then the giver cannot be disappointed; and would not think to extract payment from the receiver.
More importantly, the receiver would not feel obligated. Rhb
Perhaps tomorrow I will write on receiving.
11:54:14 PM 
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