Question: I prefer to be a giver than a receiver. That way, I feel I never owe anyone anything. 

Azim: None of us can claim to be only giving even when we think we are. The very moment we are born, we are also taking from life around us. The air we breathe, the warmth of the sun, love of family and friends, the kindness of strangers, the generosity of farmers who grow our food and the list goes on. If we start keeping count, we will realize that we can never pay it all back. Hence, being only a giver is an illusion you keep; and this isn't a sign of humility or independence, but rather denial.

The cycle of giving and receiving is inviolable. We cannot give without receiving and vice versa. However, by denying the gift of receiving, you might be missing much more than just a feeling of gratitude. Because our inability to...