The Art of Giving.

From as far back as I can remember, the value of giving has been a part of my life. My father and grandfather shaped my understanding of what it means to live with purpose and how that purpose stems from the art of giving. They didn’t explain it in complicated words, nor did they ever frame it as a duty. Instead, through their own lives and their choices, they taught me something profound: what you have; whether it is time, kindness, wisdom, or love , It finds its true meaning only when you share it with others. For them, giving was not about wealth or possessions. It was about presence, care, and generosity .  I grew up watching them extend themselves for people, sometimes in small ways and sometimes in life changing ways . And slowly, almost unconsciously, this way of living became a part of me.

As I grew older, however, I noticed something unsettling. In today’s world, the act of giving is often misunderstood. People who extend themselves for others are sometimes labeled as people who don’t have much work or seen as individuals with “no self-respect.” Somewhere along the way, the purity of giving has been twisted into weakness , I have observed that people will just keep expecting from you but not have the gratitude of the same . Why is it that when someone goes out of their way to care, others see it as desperate? Why do we glorify detachment and reserve, while dismissing those who openly love, support, and nurture?
It confuses me deeply because I know from experience that giving takes far more strength than withholding. The truth is, giving is not easy. It is a silent strength that often goes unnoticed. People see the smile, the effort, the thoughtfulness but they don’t always see the energy it takes, the self-doubt that sometimes follows, or the quiet exhaustion that builds up . I’ve  been the one to plan things in my friend groups ; the outings, the surprises, the celebrations. I’ve been the one to initiate conversations, to check in when someone is silent, to hold relationships together when they were on the verge of fading. At first, I did it out of love, and it filled me with joy. But over time, there were moments when I felt tired.  I have the most amazing friends and I love them with all my heart but there were moments with a few of them when I wondered, “Does anyone notice? Does this matter ?”.And that’s when I realized something important ; even givers need love. Even givers need to feel that their presence matters. 

Because no matter how much love someone has to give, there is a limit

No one can pour endlessly without being filled in return. And when that balance is missing, even the strongest givers eventually run dry. I’ve come to understand that relationships whether friendships, family bonds, or romantic connections thrive on reciprocity. That doesn’t mean keeping score or expecting equal returns. It simply means that love must flow both ways. When someone gives, they aren’t asking for grand gestures in return. What they hope for is acknowledgment, appreciation, and the occasional act of kindness directed back

I often think about this: what would the world look like without givers? Without those who check in when no one else does? Without those who hold space for others, who plan, who care, who love without hesitation ? It would be a colder place. Relationships would wither .Friendships would become transactions. Families would drift apart. The essence of community would weaken.

If you have a giver in your life, protect them. Cherish them. Don’t let them believe that their love is a burden or that their kindness is weakness. Because the moment a giver starts to feel unworthy, all the little things they’ve done , the effort they’ve poured into keeping bonds alive may begin to fade. And once that happens, it’s very difficult to bring them back.

To anyone reading this who identifies as a giver: I see you. I understand the joy you feel when you light up someone’s day, and I also understand the quiet ache when your efforts go unnoticed.

Please know this: your giving is not in vain. Even if people don’t always show it, your love leaves an imprint. You make people feel safer, cared for, and valued in ways they may never articulate. And while you deserve love in return, your worth is not diminished by how others respond.

At the same time, don’t be afraid to receive. Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. Being a giver doesn’t mean you must always be strong. It’s okay to let others love you back. It’s okay to take a step back when you’re tired. Your well-being matters just as much as those you care for.

I hope we learn, as a generation, to respect and nurture the givers around us. That we stop labeling them as “needy” or “weak,” and instead celebrate them for the rare souls they are. That we create a culture where giving and receiving coexist, where love flows in circles rather than in one direction. Because the art of giving is beautiful, but it is also fragile. If we don’t protect it, we risk losing something essential about our humanity.

So, the next time someone goes out of their way for you, pause. Acknowledge them. Appreciate them. Give back in whatever way you can. Because sometimes, the greatest gift you can give a giver… is simply to give back.