Money and Character

I met a new friend for coffee recently. She invited me and as I always do when meeting someone for the first time, I wondered how she would respond at the till when after making our order the question was asked "is this separate or together?"  I always hope to hear the words "together". There is something wonderfully magical about sharing, and the offer to pay or be paid for gives the feeling that much more is being shared.  Generosity speaks volumes about character.  Taking is easy but I believe giving is just as easy, if not more so. Go on and take a little piece of my heart are lyrics to a song, and in the giving, the sharing, the paying and being paid for, we exchange pieces of us.  Money and attitudes about it, whether detached or attached, generous or stingy, can set the tone for new and budding relationships. In business, the willingness of the client to pay in the beginning gives a sneak peek glimpse of what is to come further on down the road when relationship is more firmly cemented.  Asking the question "how do you want to handle this, cash cheque or charge?" shouldn't be a scary question, it should be expected by the client and the answer ready for the giving, along with the payment.