The Bedtime Series | Season 1, Ep 16: Being considerate

I have never really understood what real consideration is all about. What does it actually mean, ‘to think about others’ or ‘feel compassionate’? Also, who are we to be ‘concerned’ about someone else? Obviously, if someone asks us for help, we should do our best to support them. (If they’re not complete idiots who take you for granted all the time). But, otherwise, when no one has explicitly ‘asked’ for help, do we still continue to think about how we could add value in others’ lives? Does it help or does it, in reality, backfire?

For instance, if someone loves to wash dishes, would you do them any good by deciding to not let them wash dishes and ask them to rest? Same with cooking — if someone likes to cook for others, would you ask them to take a chill pill and not cook for you if you felt it was selfish of you? I have been like this. I have tried to stop other people from acting in a certain way, or being nice to me, just because I felt better by not having someone do something for me. I felt I was being considerate. Deeper introspection (and some bit of observance) has started changing my opinion a bit.

What if, by doing something for me, someone else is able to -

a. add some good karma to their overall quota

b. feels much better about themselves because of the dopamine hit of doing a good deed

c. enjoys the act itself e.g. cooking, cleaning or simply paying a dinner bill

Some of us do go overboard in being ‘considerate’ and i want to stop being that someone who tries to be the ‘good guy’ always.

Shall think more and write more soon. For now, I am sleepy again, after having slept over 18 hours this weekend. (And yes, now I am much much better, and back home). So till next time, cheers!