Sharing

Normally, I don't mind sharing. I actually enjoy sharing, most times. But not when I'm forced to share. Or expected to share. A few stories:

Not too long ago I was startled by an adult acquaintance. I didn't know this person well, so when said person came up to me while I was eating my dinner and held out their hand, you can well imagine my response: cocked eyebrow, questioning look and a "huh?" escaped my lips. This person then ASKED me for part of my dinner. What made me even more confused (and a bit angry) was the fact that they had some food of their own! (sigh...)

There's another person in my life that, upon seeing that I have something they want, will come over and screech, "OOOOOOOOooooo!!! Can *I* have some?!?!" This is something that happens frequently, to the point where I just want to rip out my hair and SCREAM!!! And when told, "No, thank you," said person goes off to pout.

Another situation that frustrates me is when I am FORCED to share. I have no power to say, "No, thank you," because I know I will taken aside and asked, "Why CAN'T so and so have that?"

A cute little incident happened the other day. I was sitting and eating my lunch when a little head appeared in front of me, cheeky little grin and hand held out. He was asking for some crackers that I had. He surprised me so much that I went into the eyebrows raised and "huh?" behavior. He then giggled, "Only kidding!" and scampered off. He was just so darn CUTE that before too long, I handed him a handful of the crackers he had been eying. He said, "Thank you!" with a grin, then promptly turned and shared with his new-found friend.

Now THAT'S the kind of sharing I don't mind!