Not to be taken literally, obviously. But you get the idea.
People always want more than you give 'em? Should you just stop giving altogether?
2006-07-26 02:19:03 · 5 answers · asked by rayhanna 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
This has been my experience too! Give an inch and they'll take a mile. People, in my opinion, are very quick to neglect others especially when they are getting help frequently. For instance, someone who cries at night because they can't find a loving relationship will soon forget about those sleepless nights when they start neglecting someone who loves them. Or a person with no car who is given a car as a gift will forget those feelings associated with being "car-less". It's a human mystery and I just regulate how much I give for that reason.
2006-07-26 02:25:52 · answer #1 · answered by Marginality 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, we shouldn't stop giving. We should, however, set boundaries and know when to say no. This was a very hard lesson for me to learn, because I didn't want to seem ungracious, but it's easy to get taken advantage of when you're a soft touch. I actually practiced in front of the mirror, saying things like "I'm sorry, but I just can't fit that into my schedule right now." or "That's just not possible at the moment." Still very polite, but it gets the message across and it works for everything from the phone call from the PTA about the bake sale to the woman who has begged of her turn to drive the car pool and is trying to dump it in my lap.
You can still be a giving person and not be a total door mat!
2006-07-26 12:06:29 · answer #2 · answered by nimbleminx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means the same thing as Give them an inch and they want a mile,,, or take a mile.
Greed, and those who take advantage are a Fact. GenerOSISTY/CHARITY/ DOING GOOD, are rewards in themselves, to those who practice that nature.
Certainly we should be cautious, even selective about GIVING.
Personally, I know I'm GOOD not GOD, and I use caution when being charitable.
Rev. Steven
2006-07-26 09:26:08 · answer #3 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give someone an inch and they'll take a mile.
something that you say which means that if you allow someone to behave badly at all, they will start to behave very badly.
For example: One should be very wary making concessions to Israel. Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
2006-07-26 09:28:21 · answer #4 · answered by Gray Matter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Privilege becomes a right, handouts becomes a crutch.
2006-07-26 09:28:03 · answer #5 · answered by ancalagon2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋