Stabbed In The Heart, Scarred With Wisdom

Growing up, my mom always taught me the importance of doing good. My mom was always bent on generosity, kindness and all other virtues. These virtues were evident in her actions, which I closely observed. As I matured, these values became a big part of me, guiding my actions and steps. Doing good became formulaic. I’ve always been like this for as long as I can remember. I wouldn’t call myself a good person, but I try as hard as I can to do good. However, what I’ve noticed about human beings is that when you do good, people often step on your head with all kinds of shoes. Not only do they take your good acts for granted, but they also exploit it. When they discover that doing good is your weak point, they use it against you, stabbing you with a 6 inch knife.

On several occasions, I have done good deeds, only to regret my actions shortly after. Have you ever been in a situation where you helped someone, but they made you regret your actions and then you wish you’d never helped them in the first place? Yes, I understand that it is important to do good. I am of the school of thought that doing good makes you a better person, but sometimes good deeds are met with regrets. Sometimes, people make you wonder if you should stop doing good and become heartless. A few days ago, I found myself in a situation where I did something good and instead of getting appreciated, I got stabbed in the back in return. In this post, I’ll share my experience.

Two weeks ago, around 7 am, a guy came knocking on my door. Although he doesn’t stay in my hostel, I see him frequently. Apparently, my slides (sandals) were outside. I have two pairs, and I’d only worn the one outside twice since I got it. According to him, he had a program in school and didn’t have anything to wear. He pleaded and asked if I could lend him my slides for the day, promising to return it in the evening. I confirmed if he’d truly return it that evening and he assured me he would. You should note that when he came to beg for the slides, my mind didn’t wander off to the possibilities that he might not return it. His statement that he had nothing to wear mattered. So, without thinking twice, I gave it to him.

He was supposed to return the slides that evening, but he didn’t. I gave him the benefit of a doubt. “Maybe something happened that kept him busy. Maybe he’ll return it tomorrow morning.” 24 hours turned into 48, and 48 turned into 72. I didn’t see traces of this guy for more than a week. My friends told me they’d be seeing him wearing my slides everywhere. I narrated this story to my friends online. While some of them said I shouldn’t have given him the slides in the first place, others agreed that I did the right thing by giving him. If I knew it would turn out like this, I wouldn’t have given him at all.

Yesterday marked two weeks since he came to borrow my slides with the promise of returning it that evening. Interestingly, this morning, I went out to get something. On my way back, I saw this guy and he was wearing my slides!!! When he saw me, he wished he could disappear into thin air. I’m pretty sure he wished he had the power to transfer back in time so he’d avoid me. But it was too late. I’d seen him. I was so pisded when I saw the condition of the slides on his leg. I’d only worn them twice and he’d already flattened it with his gigantic legs. Well, after raising my voice and going back and forth, I collected the slides from him and gave him a slippers to wear home. I did this so he wouldn’t walk bare-footed.

Now, I can’t wear the slides anymore because it is now 3 times bigger than it was before. Even though I’m pretty sure the slides are now useless, I collected them from him. Do you think I did the right thing by giving him the slides in the first place? Also, do you think I should have collected them back?

Thanks for reading.