Downright immoral.

I become very uneasy. Uncomfortable. When certain people reciprocate. And do me great favors. Because I’ve done them much-needed favors. That goes for a friend. A neighbor. She and her husband are the primary care-givers for her dementia-ridden parents. And so I volunteer. In my little way. To assist. By taking her father and his dog for daily walks. I don’t expect and don’t want compensation for this little favor. Other than the satisfaction/knowledge that I helped someone in need. But she goes out of her way to return the favor. Reciprocating. In an extraordinary way. By regularly sending home with me home-cooked meals.  And even a flower bouquet. Makes me feel like I’m being spoiled. Receiving far more out of this deal than I give.  That wasn’t my intent. I wanted to relieve her of a time-consuming task. Without compensation.  Without her having to do something nice for me. Makes me feel guilty. Yes, uncomfortable.  As if I’m taking advantage of the situation. Getting far more than she gets. And that ain’t right. I don’t deserve to be spoiled. I don’t want to be spoiled. In a way, it’s corrupting. Similar to accepting money (profit) for a good deed. Downright immoral.  –Jim Broede