Giving as a Path to Receiving: Why Community is Built on Reciprocity
We all want connection. We want to feel supported, loved, and included. But too often, we focus on what we want from relationships rather than what we bring to them.
True community isn’t just about receiving—it’s about reciprocity. It’s about giving as much as we take, showing up for others as much as we want them to show up for us. If we’re always asking, Where is my village? but never asking, How am I showing up as a villager? we’re missing half the equation.
The One-Sided Trap: When We Focus Only on Receiving
It’s easy to feel frustrated when relationships feel unbalanced—when we’re always the one reaching out, planning, or checking in. But the reverse is also true: sometimes, without realizing it, we fall into a pattern of expecting connection without investing in it.
We want people to text us, but we never text first.
We want invites, but we don’t make plans.
We want support, but we don’t offer it in return.
It’s not that we’re selfish—we just get caught up in our own struggles. But here’s the reality: connection thrives when it’s mutual.
The Power of Being the Giver
When we focus on what we can give rather than just what we can get, everything changes.
When you check in on someone, you strengthen the bond.
When you show up without expecting anything in return, trust grows.
When you offer kindness and encouragement, it comes back to you.
This doesn’t mean overextending yourself or giving to the point of burnout. It simply means recognizing that relationships are a two-way street. The strongest communities are built by people who understand that connection isn’t just about being supported—it’s about being the support too.
Small Ways to Give (That Make a Big Difference)
Giving doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness create the strongest connections:
Sending a quick “Thinking of you” text.
Remembering something important in a friend’s life.
Celebrating their wins—big or small.
Offering encouragement when they’re struggling.
Simply being present, listening, and showing up.
The Full Circle of Connection
The irony? The more you give, the more you receive. When you invest in others, you naturally build a support system that’s there for you in return. People are drawn to those who care, who contribute, who make the effort.
So if you’re feeling disconnected, ask yourself: Am I waiting for connection, or am I creating it?
A thriving village isn’t built by people waiting to be invited in. It’s built by people who show up, contribute, and make it stronger—one small act at a time.