Bill Withers had a finger on the pulse when he recorded ‘Lean on me’. The song’s sentiment will endure through the ages.
Someone I know once compared cultures from different parts of the world and claimed that he was proud to belong to a ‘giving’ culture. It’s easy to use descriptive words to claim the upper hand, but when one looks closely at the dynamics involved in these situations, the behaviour tells a different story.
‘No man is an island’ is a well known saying that comes from a culture that seems hard to understand from an outsider’s perspective. One should be willing to give support whenever possible and when one feels the urge to do so.
The recipient of the support should be mindful of not becoming a burden for anyone else. There is a murky psychological area in some cultures where emotional blackmail, taking others for granted and feeling entitled are regarded as acceptable attitudes.
How does one identify suitable boundaries in the dynamics between givers and recipients?
https://juwonogungbe.bandcamp.com
