What's the loveliest thing you've ever done for anyone?

[Eve]

What's the loveliest thing you've ever done for anyone?

[sbalas]

A subjective question is likely to get subjective answers. A kind word here; a small present there - apart from these, do we ever do any loveliest things to others?

Well; I can recount one thing; I was about to be transferred to a position involving move to Corporate Centre in a Company in India. One of my colleagues was anxious that he should get there. I (incognito) told my boss that I was not interested in moving out of my present position. Consequently, my colleague's name came up naturally and he was selected and transferred.

According to me, this is the loveliest thing I could have done - to a person to whom I was not obliged.

[webwriter]

The funny thing is that often when you think you are doing something lovely for someone... they really don't care in the least.

And sometimes what you think is really nothing has a great impact on another person.

So, it's hard to judge... what matters more? Your intentions or their reaction?

[sbalas]

Does it really matter as to what the other persons thinks of what you have done! I feel it is not. Then 'incognito' disappears. Does it not?

In Tamil language, there is a saying which is approximately as follows:

What you do with you right hand, the left hand should not know.

[webwriter]

The point being...

I once treated my parents to a surprise long weekend in the hotel where they had honeymooned. I think that is one of the loveliest things I've done.

They, however, were not happy because they had to change their plans, had a bad flight, the hotel was now in a bad neighborhood, and they both caught bad colds and were miserable. It's not something they look back on with fond memories and as a matter of fact, the shudder if it comes up. My mother told me later she would have rather have had the money I spent and not had to go.

On the other hand, I gave some tickets to a ball game that I wasn't able to attend to some friends (which was no big deal to me- I wasn't able to go) and they would tell you that's one of the loveliest things anyone ever did because they so wanted to go and had a fabulous time.

Which is the lovelier thing?

[sbalas]

The short point is : the loveliest thing as per your perception or as perceived by the other party.

Men and minds are so different; what is food for one could be poison for other.