How do you deal with ungrateful people?

Asked by Dr. Earl R. Smith II

Earl,

The great Epic Bhagwat Gita, states, "Do good to people but do not expect results. Do your duty and leave the rest unto God. Do not expect anything in return. That is the theory of Karma". When you expect results, and it is not favorable, then it just hurts you. Moreover, I believe we do something good for other, since we want to do good and not to gain popularity. I can share the beautiful poem by Mother Teresa, which seems to be very apt here:

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, at it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've anyway.

You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway"

Best Regards,
Sujatha Das