Tales Of South Delhi

The Quiet Arithmetic of Relationships by Dr Anindita Roy ( PhD) , DesignEducatorDelhi@gmail.com We rarely call them transactions. We call them friendship. Family. Professional courtesy. Networking. Being there for someone. Yet, somewhere beneath the warmth of these words, there is often a quiet arithmetic. I called you when you were unwell; surely you will call me when I am lonely. I remembered your birthday; you should remember mine. I helped you get that opportunity; perhaps you owe me one. I listened to your troubles for years; why aren't you listening to mine now? And without realising it, we begin keeping accounts. Some relationships are born transactional. They are honest about it. A client pays for expertise. A teacher gives knowledge and receives a livelihood. A colleague helps because collaboration benefits both. There is nothing inherently wrong with this. A fair exchange can be healthy when both people understand the terms. The trouble begins when we disguise the transac...