How does my attitude affect my relationships?

"Give a little, get a lot", this is the maxim of all bargain hunters. Sadly, that includes all of us. This does not apply only to buying and selling, this attitude has wormed its way into all facets of our lives and regrettably into our interactions with one another. Small wonder that our past is so often littered with failed or 'soured' relationships. 

The basic tenet that, "a smile begets a smile and a frown begets a frown", seems to roll off us like 'water on a duck's back'. Our every emotion, thought, word or action is energy that carries the flavor of our motive or our expression of it. This 'flavored' energy creates a response or reaction that is appropriate to the flavor. "As you sow, so you shall reap", this pearl of wisdom falls on deaf ears and hence we feel surprised and aggrieved when we reap a bitter "harvest".

When faced with a situation or an individual, it is the negative emotions and thoughts that rush into our hearts and minds and take premium space. This is because we use ourselves as a benchmark or standard to judge others, for example, if we were to be kind towards another only if there was a selfish motivation, then we would assume that the kindness of others was selfishly motivated.

Our compulsion to drive a hard bargain in our interactions with others may reap a bountiful though bitter harvest. However, should we interact fairly or generously, the rewards will doubtless be sweet. Let not our feelings be rooted in negativity, but in love, let not our thoughts spring from our insecurities, but from reason, let not the fruit of our seeds be hurt and resentment, but goodwill.