Doing the "Right Thing" can Be Painful and Inconvenient!

One of the "values" that was instilled in me as a kid was that I should always "do the right thing," no matter what.

Of course, "the right thing" could be subject to a lot of opinion and interpretation... but in the case of the lessons my parents passed along, it mostly amounted to no cheating, stealing, lying and such.

And they were very serious about the parts about standing by your word, even if doing so meant putting yourself into a position of considerable hardship. Because you simply "did the right thing," no matter what.

Somehow, doing the right thing seems to have become something very old fashioned in our world.

I say that, as a result of noticing how surprised people seem when — for example — I settle up and old debt to a friend who helped me out when I was having a difficult time.

Often, they'll not only be surprised, but they'll even tell me something "I don't ever expect to get money back when I lend to a friend or family member... I consider it more of a gift."

Which isn't to say that I would turn down a gift... if it were sincerely offered. But I would never take it upon myself that a loan was a donation unless expressly told so. Part of doing the right thing also included to never take advantage of the kindness of other people.

Of course, I have to be completely honest and admit that I have often found myself disappointed because the vast majority of the world doesn't actually have these sorts of values, anymore.

I don't actually blame anyone... maybe I blame a society and culture that prizes "getting ahead" so highly that people are driven to get what they want by whatever means, including using the goodness of others to get ahead.

I don't actually get angry with these people, but I do get disappointed. And I get a bit sad.

But even though I know better than to expect reciprocation, I'm not going to stop approaching life the way I do... and I will continue "doing the right thing," even when I understand it will likely be taken for granted.

In the end, I am the one who has to be able to sleep at night!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

How about you? Were you taught to always do the right thing? What does that phrase MEAN, to you? Do leave a comment if you feel so inclined — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

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Created at 2023.05.31 00:56 PST
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