Imbalance in Giving and Receiving: The Hidden Cost

Practical and Spiritual Wisdom for Exchanges with Friends and Siblings

Photo by Julia Volk on

Not everyone is on equal financial ground. Some siblings or friends have more money than others.
Often, the “wealthier” one ends up covering more costs — whether for meals, travel, or gifts. Over time, this creates an unspoken expectation that they should always take on the greater financial burden.

While the person receiving the support might feel they are benefiting, the truth is that this dynamic often does more harm than good. It creates dependence and low self-esteem and can lead to resentment on both sides.

Photo by Leonardo Rossatti on

Imagine a room that needs fresh air. To get proper ventilation, you must open two opposite windows— one for air to flow in and the other for it to flow out. If air only flows in from one window, circulation stops, and the air becomes stale.

The same applies to money. When resources flow in only one direction without any return the flow stops, and things become stagnant.