The adage, “give someone an inch and they will take
a mile” is self-explanatory. We’ve all heard the saying used to describe
someone who freely takes advantage of others. But there’s more to it. Perhaps a
closer look may yield insight for those of us sacrificing miles for mere inch
offerings.
I think we can all agree that some of us would
rather give an inch than take a mile. Others would gladly take a mile when
offered an inch. We look down upon people who take advantage of others. But, I’d
like to offer a contrasting opinion. Consider this…
We all love a bargain. Who doesn’t light up with
they get something valuable for pennies on the dollar. My thrift store
addiction is a testament that I am a hopeless bargain bandit. So what separates
a bargain from taking advantage of a situation? Surely, if I am in a thrift store
and I see an original highly-sought-after painting for a fraction of its worth,
I consider that a bargain. I swoop in, make the purchase, and feel elated all
day.
Is it my problem that the store did not recognize
the value of the painting? Is it my responsibility to educate the store owner
so that he or she does not lose money? Do I routinely pass up such a deal for
my laurels? I’d like to say that I do. Truth is, I grab the painting, quietly take
it to the register, pay, and walk it to my car before anyone realizes the
mistake. Does this make me a bad person? Maybe it does. I'd like to think this just makes me a bargain
shopper.
Let’s entertain another scenario. Say I am a
freelancer in a specific profession. To get work I offer services at a
discounted rate, hoping that doing so yields professional growth. As the months
pass my clients expect even more for less compensation. I realize that my
discounted rates are not contributing to growth, but instead are sowing seeds
of bitterness. They are getting a wonderful value. I, on the other hand, am getting tossed in the bargain bin.
Let’s say that I offer a friend a room to stay in
while he or she gets on his or her feet. I offer the room for no rent because I
want my friend to save for an apartment. However, the months pass and the tenant
is happy living free while I pay the mortgage, the utilities, food, and all living
expenses. My friend is in no hurry to move out and I am becoming more and more resentful with each passing month.
So where’s the line between seizing a bargain and
taking a mile? There actually is a line. It is called a boundary. But the
burden of action is not on the mile taker, it is on the inch-offerer.
When we have weak boundaries we allow others to go
bargain shopping on our behalf. So, for all of us who often concede to mile
takers, let us change our mindset. Let us recognize that we are both the problem
and the solution. Let us realize our worth and set boundaries. We do not belong
in a thrift store. We are not bargains for others to acquire. Stand tall. Price
your talents and offerings accordingly and others will in turn respect you for it.
