Reciprocation

The rule of reciprocation as illustrated in the Regan study is a great example of how giving can influence others to give to you in return. Don't show up empty handed is the rule of thumb down in Baton Rouge. This is true in my circle of friends and it is sewn into the social fabric of the deep south where I will show you one of the many examples of this happening to me. 

During my last two semesters at Southern University on my friends was going through the pledging process for his fraternity.  I ended up cooking dinner for him and three of his frat brothers to be when they needed a meal. It was a small gesture but it ended up paying dividends.

After my friend finish the pledging process his now fraternity brothers became friends with me.  One Saturday all four of us went on a road trip to New Orleans to watch St. Augs play West Monroe in a high school football playoff game, which was one of the best games I had ever seen in my life. It was like watching the Catholics versus the Protestants, The country versus the city. St. Augs of New Orleans is one of the most storied Black Schools in the world and West Monroe of North Louisiana is in one of the most racist places in the World. This game was like watching living history to me, the game ended with West Monroe winning on the final play and I loved every down of it. And I feel this was reciprocation working to my advantage because if I had not shown them love they would not have shown it back to. This is why I am a firm believer in the rule because if I had of been greedy I would not have had some of the best experiences of my college life. Always be friendly and give when you can because you never know how that relationship will add to your life.