The idea is that because we have received something, we owe something. The problem is the nonexistent debt. The love we receive, or money, or time—or anything that causes us to feel obligated—should be accepted as a gift. “Gift” implies no strings attached. All that’s really needed is gratitude. The giver has no expectation that the present will provide a return. It was simply provided because someone loved someone and wanted to do something for him or her.
