Gift Reciprocity Debate

The cluster centers on debates about whether receiving free gifts, help, or services creates an implicit obligation for the recipient to reciprocate, donate, or show gratitude, versus the idea of pure altruism without expectations.

📉 Falling 0.4x Politics & Society
3,581
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#3087
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
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2008
23
2009
54
2010
108
2011
125
2012
125
2013
196
2014
108
2015
159
2016
164
2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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2024
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2025
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2026
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Keywords

BTW return asking exchange offer giving chocolate stranger sacrifice paid money

Sample Comments

mitthrowaway2 Oct 27, 2023 View on HN

You almost make it sound like a bad deal for the recipient.

chaseadam17 Apr 22, 2014 View on HN

They're not asking for anything in return.

deelowe Nov 1, 2021 View on HN

I thought some form of reciprocity/incentivization was implied.

catlifeonmars Sep 26, 2021 View on HN

Heh, it’s ok to give, but not to receive.

jejones3141 Sep 19, 2021 View on HN

How is not giving something to someone equivalent to taking something from someone?

eyelidlessness May 6, 2023 View on HN

I didn’t ask for the gift and I don’t owe anyone anything for it. If you want to treat life as some kind of exchange, you at least need consent from the parties to it.

mariusor Dec 18, 2025 View on HN

I'm trying to offer a good faith argumentation. Why aren't you giving me the same courtesy?

lotsofpulp May 25, 2022 View on HN

I am confused why anyone would expect to get something in exchange for giving nothing.

Dalewyn Mar 1, 2023 View on HN

Your needs are none of my concern.If you want something from me, pay up.

bdowling Jun 20, 2021 View on HN

Asking for something in return can be inferred by behavior.