People do things for different reasons, and it is impolite in many situations to refuse a gift. But often you do wonder if the person giving the gift or treat is doing it because he wants to "use you."
For example if you were a high flier, you tend to be treated good but that's usually only because people want to ask favors from you and create that obligation ... ... yet they could simply be nice and not think anything about it when doing something.
It's like a girl in a bar and a stranger comes out and buys her a drink. Should she accept it? Many girls later regret when the stranger becomes belligerent and behaviors in ways inappropriate.
Yet the person would try to put her on a false guilt trip by saying he owes her!
This scenario of people doing seemingly nice things applies to other situations as well - like when you are helped when you needed it and then all kinds of calls come with returning the favor but in a bigger way, not something you ever wanted!
2007-01-30 04:26:16 · 5 answers · asked by thinkpp 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
If someone gives you something, without you asking for it, you do not owe them anything.
Out of gratitude you can give them something back, but that certainly doesn't mean you should ever do something that doesn't feel right.
2007-01-30 04:32:05 · answer #1 · answered by katinka hesselink 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although you don't "owe" the person unless you have an agreement, it's considered bad form to take things and not act friendly. Gifts should not be considered bribes and if somebody gives one they should NOT expect things in return.
The drink at the bar is different. In US culture this acknowledges that the woman is interested in the stranger. Given the current state of affairs taking "drinks from strangers" carries some risk, and picking up strangers at bars carries substantial risk.
Alternative? Church picnics yield better lifelong partners than bars.
2007-01-30 12:35:26 · answer #2 · answered by JoeDuck 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it would depend on the favor and the motive. I'd say the bigger the favor, the more likely you are to have an obligation regardless of motive. Accepting a drink wouldn't qualify, but accepting a kidney would.
2007-01-30 12:38:24 · answer #3 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the universe must remain in equilibrium. every debt should be repaid. if you don't want to be obligated, don't accept the gift.
2007-01-30 12:34:31 · answer #4 · answered by notmyrealname 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No way! Still, one must use reason in these matters.
2007-01-30 12:30:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋