A conversation with a friend tonight got me thinking about how to think about money in friendships. I've never been able to come up with good etiquette for it. I believe in being generous but I'm also afraid of building relationships that are based on money.
WIthout going into deep, root cause analysis. Here are a few takeaways from tonight's conversation:
- Friendships based on money make people want you for your money not for who you are or the love you provide. They're ultimately fake and unfulfilling.
- Friends who love you for your money don't really love you for who you are.
- I'm not talking about families here or providing for your kids or helping relatives out, that's a whole other story.
Here are things I plan to do from now on:
- Split every bill from now on (except on special occasions such as birthdays, first dates)
- Don't give homeless people. Give them food if you absolutely cannot find any other way.
- When eating with people who have less money than you, you should be considerate and take them to a restaurant they can afford (or simply cook).
- Show your affection in a genuine smile, a thoughtful gesture or a gift.
Feel free to contribute any thoughts you might have! Thanks :)
