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”
Influence is not merely giving; it involves both giving and taking. Interaction creates change. Influence without change is simply a rumor. To truly give and take from one another, you must first embrace the world within yourself. If you do not open your mind and senses to the world and accept its stimuli and spirit, you cannot impact even the most abundant rumors. First, accept, and then react to the world. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”