Same story, 2 points of view:

THREAD

MY VERSION

1. I noticed a colleague always had lunch at a particularly run down bukka so one day, I offered to take him somewhere "nice" for lunch. He was rather reluctant but he eventually agreed.

Honestly, I seemed more excited than him

2. This wasn't my regular lunch place as it was barely affordable but I was just too happy to "do some good" to the "less privileged".

Lunch was rather awkward cos I kept trying to keep a conversation going while he ordered modestly and kept sneaking a glance at his watch

3. We finished & he literally bolted out of the place with a weak apology of needing to be somewhere. Somewhere better than here? Anyway, he was cordial & polite all through but honestyly, I expected much more appreciation for the favour I was going out of my way to do for him.

4. HIS VERSION

A colleague I barely talk to offered to take me for lunch & I was hesitant cos all those workmen I buy lunch for will go hungry while I eat in some fancy restaurant. But I felt bad turning him down since he's a lonely chap & I felt he must really need the company

5. At lunch, food was so expensive and I wasn't sure what could be bothering him so much that he needed to go this length to talk to me about. I gave all the attention and didn't want to interrupt him cos I imagine it must be hard opening up to a stranger.

6. I soon realised, he either had nothing to say or had changed his mind about saying it & since if I rushed, I still had a few minutes to catch the widow's bukka and buy the workers their food. The widow has 2 kids in University and this is her only means of livelihood

7. Since she won't take help, I constantly make sure she sells all she has and that's why I have to keep buying for hungry strangers.

I got there late and they had all left. My day is ruined and this colleague cost her a day's sales.

But I'm sure he meant well though!

8. CONCLUSION

Before doing good, make sure what you are doing is not selfish and it must be necessary, relevant and valued.

It's a horrible position to give a favour to someone who sees it as a favour to you by receiving your favour!!

In all, never stop being kind!

9. No matter the story you hear, no matter how convincing, no matter how you trust the teller, always remember that there's another valid perspective you don't have so don't jump to conclusions or judgment!

We can all be on opposite sides and yet all be right...or all be wrong