No Good Deed Goes UnPunished

[QueenofSmirks]

From a social perspective we often want to do things for others because we want to help, or give, or we feel it's the "right thing to do" -- but there is actually a theory that we might be wired to expect some reciprocity, and/or thanks. In other words, subconsciously, we might expect a response that makes us feel good, and because we have been conditioned to that response, it fosters us doing more "good deeds." Additionally, we may be wired to help others in the hopes they will help us in return, as part of our innate survival skills. Interesting stuff.

As to the question - yes, of course I've done good deeds and have had a mixed bag of results. I've had very appreciative responses from people I've helped, and I've had a few kicks to heart as well. It's human nature to feel hurt, angry, disappointed when someone reacts in a way that we don't expect, but I always do remind myself that it was my decision to help, and I'm only responsible for my actions, not anyone else's reactions.