An iota of sense

There was a family in our neighbourhood. Whenever they brought us any delicacy, my sister would sigh because sweets were always followed by requests for favours, rather demands. They have an impeccable track record.

They believe that it is courtesy to gift something before asking the person a favour. They think it makes the receiver of the gift, obliged to oblige. They also think the other person would be flattered. Worst of all, they think the other person expects something in return for the favour.

My colleague, a jolly fellow, is new to this city. He is put up about twelve kilometres away from our workplace and unfortunately, doesn’t own a vehicle. He asked a few colleagues if they were headed in the direction of his place. They answered in the negative.

While waiting outside the office premises, we noticed another colleague struggling to take his motorcycle out of the parking lot. The steering of his motorcycle got entangled with that of another and he seemed to lose balance. Before I could assess if he needed help, my friend rushed to help the struggling man. After moving the motorcycle out of the parking area without pushing down any other motorcycle, my friend had a conversation with the other colleague.

He then walked back to where I was waiting.

‘So, he too refused to take you?’ I asked.

‘Take me where?’ he asked.

‘Didn’t you ask him if he was going towards your place?’, I asked.

‘Oh no! We shouldn’t ask for a favour immediately after offering help’

‘Why?’

‘It would appear like I helped him just to ask for a favour in return’

‘Why are you bothered about what he would think?’

‘I am not bothered about what he would think. I am bothered about how he would feel, because that’s what he would remember about me’

It made sense.