When money interferes in a relationship, it changes the dynamic. Social norms and market rules come into conflict. For example, imagine a couple on a date, and when the man takes the woman home, he says, “I spent $100 on you today.” Suddenly, a romantic relationship shifts into a market transaction. Messages like “Next time, it’s your turn to pay” and “I did this for you today” appear. The benefits of social norms differ from those of market rules. Both are necessary, but the relationship is affected by when, how, and to whom they are applied. A person who fails to strike a balance between these two aspects risks damaging relationships and harming communities. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Almost 90 years ago, Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin met at the premiere of the film “City Lights” in Los Angeles. Einstein said to Chaplin, “What I admire most about your art is its universality. You don’t say a word, yet the world understands you!” Chaplin replied, “True. But your glory is even greater! The whole world admires you, even though they don’t understand a word of what you say.” What is respect, and what is understanding? - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”