Most things we do are in some kind of transaction. We trade in some shape or form that is, whether that transaction includes money or not. Because we expect something in return.
In fact, most things we do are seen as direct transactions, where I provide something on the spot and you do so as well.
But that doesn’t have to be the way we do things. We don’t have to expect something in return right now, or at all. We can give unconditionally as well.
But when we do so, there will be an issue on the receivers end. Since both of us are so used to working transactionally, the receiver will want to provide something right on the spot as well.
Doing one of these things might solve that:
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Talk to them about the situation, and explain that what you’re doing isn’t a transaction. That you’re helping them, not putting them in debt.
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Make them feel like they’re providing value for you. Or at least ensure them that they’re going to in the future, providing the desired transaction.
Either way is fine. But make sure to have this up your sleeve the next time you’re helping someone.