Usually I do not take much interest in other people’s life. But there are exceptions to every rule. In fact I am not one who abides by rules because rules are man made and like everything man has made over the course of our human history is fallible.

One disturbing thing I see among friends, past and present is that many have taken up several bad (because it harms one’s health and one’s spirit) habits knowing that they are harmful. We have been taught or have learned from one way or another that we shouldn’t do certain things. These things such as adultery, smoking and gambling leads to all kinds of problems within our society and social circles. Knowing full well the consequences of their actions, why then do people continue on their path to their own self destruction.

Is it because they can’t attain love or success with their careers or the fact that they do these things to take their mind of their pain; past or present or they simply punish themselves for not being strong enough. Whatever the reason, people continue to do things that they shouldn’t be doing. Odd isn’t it. Common sense depicts that we stop the things that hurt us but in reality the opposite is true.

When I ask some of my friends, why they smoke or are cheating on their wives or girlfriends, they tell me it’s just for a little fun. Some goes as far as to tell that since we only live once, we might as well do everything in life, enjoy it to the Max. These people clearly do not believe in their religions, can’t blame them all religions are man made too, thus they have no fear of their consequences in their afterlife.

But I think the problem with many people today that leads them to self destructive behavior and adopting bad habits is expectations. If you would sit back and ponder upon this you would find some truth in it. E.g when you send someone a gift or do something nice for them in time of their troubles and then when they bite at you some where along the future, chances are you will be more hurt than the usual. People can take insults from strangers but when it comes from someone you love or admire greatly it’s going to be those tears-swelling-type-of-hurt. Most importantly you feel that they didn’t live up to your exceptions and some even feel betrayed.

Guess what happens next. You try to take your mind of it. And boy are there things today to take your mind of things. Seems as though people do not want to face cold harsh reality. Who does, when the truth is too painful to bear. Would you risk everything you believe knowing that you could be wrong.

But what if you never had a exception at all. Don’t you think that is equally bad. If I do something good for some one should I expect them to do the same? I could. But what if I didn’t? Just do it without any incentive?

You might say I’m crazy. But am I really? think about it, this world I believe is about do and don’t do. If you didn’t do anything, no one can compliant that you screwed up. You could hate yourself for not doing it but the fact of the matter is, you didn’t. But if you did something you felt was worthwhile for someone without any expectation of return, you could be much better off since you do not have the weight of expections on your shoulders.

Here’s a list to illustrate my point.
Do Something Good + Having Expectations = Bad
Do Something Good + No Expectations = Good
Don’t Do Something Good + Having Expectations = Very Bad
Don’t Do Something Good + no Expectations = Good

You might wonder why people who don’t do anything and have no expectations are better off than most of us. The truth is everything that you aspire to be in this life will be unmade by your mortality. There is no other way around it. Even if you became a great figure in the world or amassed huge fortunes you will bring nothing to your grave. So most simple minded and intelligent people just go about their daily lives have simple fun and try to live out their lives without much hassle.

And those of us who are educated get the worng impression of life. We are sold the lie that we deserve luxury, greatness and all those things that make us a stand out individual because they say no one remembers the second man on the moon. It’s true that on one remember the second man on the moon but what matters most is whether you remember him. Other people’s opinions is exactly that, other people’s opinions.

So in conclusion, I feel people should just do good things and not be bothered with expectations. If they returned you the favor it’s a bonus but if they didn’t you need not worry because you got your gratification from doing something nice for them.