""If you scratch my back" , by Erik Pevernagie, oil on canvas," (100 x 80 cm)

Percy Bysshe Shelley knew very well, how it feels when there is no complementarity. He understood that a unilateral deed or a one sided feeling is a failure, if there is no reciprocation. “What are all these kissings worth, if thou kiss not me?” says the poet.

"Quid pro quo".

Commonly, granting a favour to somebody encourages people to show goodwill in return. Giving creates a bond between people and generates an atmosphere of wellness. When people are at ease with their surroundings they can live in agreement with themselves. When they find peace in their mind they can subsume fully and tunefully into their environment.

At times, we could, nevertheless, have some misgivings about “quid pro quo” or “a back scratching “. When everything becomes a flat “Give and take” or “What is in it for me “ it may create a feeling of annoyance, disappointment and distrust.

When lobbyists say: “You give me the information, I want, and you tell me what I can do for you.”, it can arouse a mood of suspicion. When scratching backs mainly focusses on an exchange of gifts and profits, it may generate dubious situations. Bribery may be straight round the corner.

However, the fear of being bought off or manipulated every time should not make us paranoiac and build an obstacle to opening ourselves to the others .

Phenomenon  : Reciprocation, Giving and taking

Factual starting point: Woman’s back being scratched