THE PRINCIPLE OF RECIPROCITY

The law of reciprocity is of great importance among the laws that run human relationships. It says that when you really help others, they will genuinely offer the same in return. In other words, if you touch the heart of someone; he or she may likely make you successful. Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Third Edition) defines reciprocity as “behavior in which two people or groups of people give each other help and advantages”, while Collins English Dictionary definition says “reciprocity is the exchange of something between people or groups of people when each person or group gives or allows something to the other”. The definitions above reveal that reciprocity works in a variety of situations. For examples in advertising and marketing, a computer user could be encouraged to purchase and upgrade his or her anti-virus program following a free trial.

Briefly, reciprocity occurs and develops in a well established and mutually understood relationship. To be frank, there is nothing wrong in couple’s commitment to home obligations whether a house maid is available or not. (One prepares the kids for school and the other sets the table for breakfast, or while one cooks, the other does the dishes). Reciprocal relationship requires a spirit of mutual understanding as well as cooperation. Both partners must be able to continue to nurture feelings of love for each other and share responsibilities. Certain people value the importance of love for a lasting relationship; while reverse is the case for some. Reciprocity will be negative when a behavior has had a negative effect on one person and he or she reciprocates with a behavior that measure up to same negative effect. In such a situation, reciprocity will be hardly effective as mutual respect which is capable of building an intimate relationship is not present.

In summary, giving starts the receiving process.  If you want more support, give more support. If you want more appreciation, give away more appreciation. If you want more respect, you need to be giving respect first. And then it will all come back to you in abundance.