They are everywhere. In a family, a relationship, among a group of friends and at work.

Takers in family is tough. Siblings who don’t buck up and parents still pay and take care of them even after they have their own family because “they needed more help” compared to their more capable sibling. This is probably why siblings stop talking to each other after parents pass away.

There are never equals in a relationship. Give and take. Take and give. People simply complement each other. One love and gives more than the other while one receives more. Give a little more so maybe the other party will take notice and give you more attention. Give yourself, maybe he will grow to love you. Give her that jewellery or bag so she will think of you while using it. Just remember, there is a time to return whatever you took. Whatever you gave will come back in another way or via someone else. Don’t get hang up on a taker.

Friends, I refer to my close knit circle as family of choice. You cannot choose your family but you can definitely choose your friends. Sometimes I wondered if I have a problem since I can count the number of friends and I lamented it is getting smaller. It got smaller after I lent money. Meet up? Sure, who is paying? Some people never remember you paid for the last meal and the one before. It’s not a matter of money but a matter of principle. You don’t have to buy me a meal of equivalent value but the gesture of a cup of Kopi in return would be nice.

Last, colleagues are not friends. Friends who became colleagues may not be friends anymore. I’ve travelled on holidays with colleagues before. Taught and shared everything I know. Introduced and recommended them for a job. Take, take and take. After that? The person who shared knowledge willingly got promoted, got more pay and ended up being sidelined because they are “not at the same level” anymore. The one who got a job through referral complained of the job. Move if you hate your job and boss. You are not a tree. The Not everyone have this thing call maturity and self-awareness that bosses are not idiots.

Takers, are you happy? Have you ever been satisfied taking things shamelessly and felt you have taken enough? I doubt so. Those who gave, gave willingly so the least you can do is to be grateful.