Give a gift, not an obligation

If you give a gift, you should not expect anything in return.
Otherwise, you are not giving a gift; you are creating an obligation.

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Human nature makes us feel obligated. That’s why salespeople bring donuts and coffee to their clients. That’s why non-profit organizations include “our gift to you” – nickels, greeting cards and Christmas ornaments – in their envelopes.

Instead of feeling guilty, you should welcome these freebies. After all, you’ve spent valuable time going through the junk mail and listening to the sales spiel.

In fact, you’re owed more than personalized address labels. We’re talking Morgan dollars, Omaha steaks or one of the alpacas that'll be sent in your name to a poor village in Peru.