The spirit of gift-giving: Does it say 'thank you' or 'expect more'?

When does a gift—whether to a stranger or a friend—carry nothing but pure gratitude? And when does it begin to whisper an unspoken expectation of another favor to come?

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In our culture, gift-giving is woven deeply into everyday life. It’s an instinctive way to show generosity and appreciation. From the smallest courtesies— offering a seat, remembering a preference, or going the extra mile for someone’s comfort—to the bigger gestures like helping with paperwork, pushing an application through, or caring for a sick friend, we often feel compelled to express thanks with a token, a pasalubong, or a special treat.

But this culture of generosity doesn’t stop at the personal level. It has seeped into business, politics, and other serious corners of life. The “token of appreciation” has evolved—from home-cooked food and fruit baskets to branded goods and luxury items. At some point, the lines blur: Is cash a token of gratitude? Does the timing matter—after the help, it’s a thank-you; before the help, is it still a gift or something else entirely?