Friday Etiquette
Do good and do not mention it.
There is a Somali story that I have always enjoyed and thought it contained a moral antidote when it comes to bringing attention to one's virtues. Two friends. One is wealthier than the other. One day, the wealthier of the two treats his friend to a feast. Goats were slaughtered in the process and a feast was had. The other man is of course appreciative of the generosity of his friend and thanks him very dearly. Afterwards, on almost every occasion and especially among the company of mutual friends, the wealthier friend finds a way to bring into the conversation the feast he once gifted his friend. This was not done out of malice, but rather a habit of his to mention the good he does for others. This embarrasses the other friend and he begins to resent and even avoid him until he gathers up enough money to return the favor. And when he finally is able to return the favor, he says to him, “Now that I have given you a feast like the one you had once given me, I know you will never mention your favor upon me.”
When we give with sincerity and it is from the heart, we do not require acknowledgement nor thanks. If you do not receive thanks, that is okay. Remember even the stray cat knows the one who is good to it. So just do good and never mention it.