5.11 Is Helping Being Helpful?

Is Helping Being Helpful?   Most of us encounter times and situations where we do benefit from various types of assistance from others.  We also are presented with many opportunities to assist others in a wide variety of ways with their diverse life difficulties.   There are a number of areas for each individual to consider when they make the choice to offer help to another.  Questions can include one's willingness and ability to help another in ways that are beneficial to them.  Or, is one's help being given to only reinforce my own generous perceptions of self?  What are the many expectations we each have in the giver-receiver relationship?       We each also have options to consider when we make the choice to open ourselves up to receiving help from others.  What types of limitations do I place on others and myself when assistance is sought and offered?   Have I communicated clearly what I am seeking?   Are ulterior motives present or is the communication honest and open?