Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Other persons are not obligated to do things for me (as much as I wish). I am not obligated to do things for other persons (as much as they wish).

I wish people would fulfill their obligations to me. I mean, look at what I have done for them. Surely, they will repay me or something in kind. What is wrong with them?

I guess some people feel the same way about me. Why don’t I fulfill my obligations to them? I mean, look at what they have done for me. Surely, I will repay them or something in kind. What is wrong with me?

Sigh. I guess we all aren’t as obliged to one another as we wish sometimes in some situations.

Here is something to try. Ask, “Is there something I should be doing?” When the reply is some gesture like, “Oh, no.” Ask again with more force, “Are you sure? Really, is there something I should be doing?”

Take notes. We can do better.