In the course of our lives, we all owe something to someone. There are always some positive influences that enhance our state of being. This may make us wholeheartedly thankful. It also may make us feel that we are carrying 'the burden of gratitude.'
People don't show us their inner reality. They may not even know it themselves. Because we only see the public persona of others, we shouldn't be quick to suspect their motives. However, if we think they have an agenda other than giving us happiness, we have a right to feel resentful.
People are also perfectly capable of feeling two or more emotions at the same time. We may act one way while at the same time harboring feelings of indecision, frustration, resentment - the list is endless. We can be truly grateful but also resent the necessity of being so.
Perhaps we are grateful to a parent. Maybe a coworker has offered an opportunity or given us a great review. All is fine if the gift is given freely. Virtue is its own reward in many cases, and we can simply say 'Thank you' and go on. However, often there is an emotional bill to pay, or a 'tit for tat' expectation which demands reciprocation.
If a parent - who has a natural obligation to provide certain things - demands more than a natural response, the child may suffer. "I work my fingers to the bone for you", a mother may moan. "You should be glad to spend every week-end at home helping out. Your friends don't care for you like I do!" In this case, the child is asked to sacrifice free time to pay a debt they shouldn't owe. They probably don't ask for servile devotion and would gladly settle for less in exchange for freedom.
If a fellow employee does us a favor, he or she may have a right to expect something in return. If their expectations are reasonable, an exchange of favors can strengthen the working relationship. However, if the coworker demands silence about improper procedures or wants a unearned commendation, this makes the 'debt' we owe onerous and maybe even dangerous.
In cases like this, we may not even feel grateful. However, the real question is how to deal with a situation. We can control our own reactions if we are mature, free, and able to reason things out. The debt may spur us to actions that benefit the other party. As long as we can do this honestly, this is a good thing. Many people take such an obligation as an incentive to visit more often, remember to give credit where credit is due, to pray for others, or to 'pay it forward'.
If, after consideration, we really decide the burden is too heavy, we have to change the equation. This may mean moving out of a parent's home or sphere of influence. It may require a transfer at work or letting a person with unmet expectations know that we won't play along. Ignoring the whole thing and hoping it goes away might work or it might just let things escalate.
People don't show us their inner reality. They may not even know it themselves. Because we only see the public persona of others, we shouldn't be quick to suspect their motives. However, if we think they have an agenda other than giving us happiness, we have a right to feel resentful.
People are also perfectly capable of feeling two or more emotions at the same time. We may act one way while at the same time harboring feelings of indecision, frustration, resentment - the list is endless. We can be truly grateful but also resent the necessity of being so.
Perhaps we are grateful to a parent. Maybe a coworker has offered an opportunity or given us a great review. All is fine if the gift is given freely. Virtue is its own reward in many cases, and we can simply say 'Thank you' and go on. However, often there is an emotional bill to pay, or a 'tit for tat' expectation which demands reciprocation.
If a parent - who has a natural obligation to provide certain things - demands more than a natural response, the child may suffer. "I work my fingers to the bone for you", a mother may moan. "You should be glad to spend every week-end at home helping out. Your friends don't care for you like I do!" In this case, the child is asked to sacrifice free time to pay a debt they shouldn't owe. They probably don't ask for servile devotion and would gladly settle for less in exchange for freedom.
If a fellow employee does us a favor, he or she may have a right to expect something in return. If their expectations are reasonable, an exchange of favors can strengthen the working relationship. However, if the coworker demands silence about improper procedures or wants a unearned commendation, this makes the 'debt' we owe onerous and maybe even dangerous.
In cases like this, we may not even feel grateful. However, the real question is how to deal with a situation. We can control our own reactions if we are mature, free, and able to reason things out. The debt may spur us to actions that benefit the other party. As long as we can do this honestly, this is a good thing. Many people take such an obligation as an incentive to visit more often, remember to give credit where credit is due, to pray for others, or to 'pay it forward'.
If, after consideration, we really decide the burden is too heavy, we have to change the equation. This may mean moving out of a parent's home or sphere of influence. It may require a transfer at work or letting a person with unmet expectations know that we won't play along. Ignoring the whole thing and hoping it goes away might work or it might just let things escalate.
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