The Law of Reciprocity

Wikipedia Defines: Reciprocity (res-i-PROS-sity) or RECIPROCAL (ree-SIP-ro-cal)
 As a social construct, in response to friendly actions, people are much nicer; conversely, in response to hostile actions they are much more nasty. The Bible, in Luke 6:38 says; "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

My Take On

THE LAW OF RECIPROCITY 

In communications studies, this "Law," is the foundation for forming new relationships and for healing the old ones as well. How do you know when too much is too much, or when you're not giving enough? The "Law of Reciprocity" (pronounced Resi-pros-ity) is a great way to measure your actions.

When I call someone, we chat, we hang up and then....do I call again, do I wait? When I offer some personal life details to a new friend, do they counter with a story of their own? This "Law" is the scale in which we balance our interactions. I know if my friend calls me back, then my next call to him/her will be welcomed. If I don't receive a response for a few days, then I will know to give him/her that same amount of space in return. If my story, containing personal life details is countered with one of their own, then I have an invitation for further personal discussions. If they counter with idle chatter about the weather, then it's my cue to back out a little bit- and stop getting so personal.

This "Law" in practice, does not happen so naturally with people in communications. Often we do not take time to see if our scale is balanced. We continue to call, we continue to text, we continue to offer up our soul to a person who may not be reciprocating this back to us. Does this make the other person a violator of this "Law?" No. You cannot hope that by continuing to pour yourself out to them, they will, by the Laws of The Universe, have to reciprocate- or give back.

In this instance, your continued outpouring, into a vessel (or person), who has already received their fill of interaction with you, not only disrespects that person, their space and their time, but it will "be poured into your lap," as Luke 6:38 has pointed out. Because they are subject to this "Law" the same as you, they will only receive what it is they have given to you, and no more.

Anything above what they have given to you, cannot be received back by them- you will find yourself bouncing communications off an empty cave wall, like the bat, flying through the dark. You're the only one getting something from these excessive communications. So flip on the light- check to see if the scales are balanced. If your eyes are open, and you have patience in communicating with others, what you do receive will be rewarding. It the Law.