Don't pity and don't give recklessly.
There's a fundamental difference between genuine help and self-serving charity. When you give out of pity, you place yourself above the recipient. When you give recklessly, you may cause more harm than good.
True generosity requires understanding the other person's actual needs, not projecting your own desire to feel good about helping. It requires humility — the recognition that your help might not be wanted or needed.
The hardest part of giving is not the act itself, but the restraint to first ask whether your help serves the other person or only yourself. Compassion without understanding becomes condescension. Generosity without consideration becomes burden.
Before you extend your hand, make sure the other person actually wants it. Before you share your wisdom, make sure it's wisdom they need.
