If you want me to help solve a problem, you will need to invest.
If you want me to consult, speak, or train on something, you will need to invest.
Of course, you have to invest and learn to respect other people's abilities and expertise. I have a friend who is good at IT, and I deeply understand his frustration: he spent money on his education only to be “asked” every day to… install Windows here and there for free, in the name of friendship. This happens in many other professions too. I do not know whether you have heard this story before, but try putting yourself in someone else's position so you can make more reasonable proposals.
Working free or charging a fee does not, in comparison, demonstrate a bigger or smaller heart, greater goodness or kindness. If you read comics as a child, look at Black Jack.
If you work for the community, social causes, or a nonprofit, I will consider it and may not require any financial investment when you invite me, only an investment of care: put your whole heart into organizing the program properly. We will be fair to one another: if I contribute my effort, please do the same with yours. We will establish this understanding so that in life we never need to say ‘not worth it’ or ‘I gave but ultimately received nothing.’
Even if you invite me for charity, I cannot promise to accept every invitation. I must consider whether it fits my “system of helping” for the year. I cannot manage everything or please everyone, and want to avoid “doing a good deed only to earn resentment.”
Let Money be repaid with Money, and Affection with Affection. Do not distort things by paying Money with Affection or Affection with Money. Do not exploit Affection to receive Money and cause harm. In a romantic relationship, if one person sees the other as an “ATM,” the other will likewise see that person only as a “sexual tool.”
“Mentoring” someone is similar: if affection and money become distorted, it is no longer supporting their growth but supporting their backside, breasts, or wallet.
Love yourself, then love many others. And learn to invest.
Love!
