Please tell me how to live happily without expecting anything in return. Does expecting something in return mean that you don’t truly love that person?

Maezawa from the CEO’s Office here—I’ll answer as well. Thank you for your question. > Does asking for something in return mean that there is no love between the people involved? I believe there is both unconditional love and other kinds of love, so I think love can exist even when something is expected in return.

I’m Flag Maker, a column writer. I don’t ask anything of my wife. Basically, I just give without expecting anything in return. That’s what love is. Actually, now that I’ve written it out, it feels a little strange, lol. And the fact that I’m currently registered with a dating club makes it somewhat questionable too. I don’t ask anything of my wife, but if you asked whether I’m happy, the most accurate answer would be, “Sometimes.” On the other hand, there are also times when it’s pretty tough ^^; This may or may not be related, but Sanma Akashiya once said the following on a radio show. I’m often in a position where I guide or advise other people, but I frequently don’t receive the return I’m hoping for. I was feeling down because I so often felt unappreciated, and hearing this changed my perspective a little. A certain idol: “Hard work always pays off. At first, I didn’t believe that. I thought, ‘Even if you say that, are people really watching and appreciating my efforts?’ But based on my own experience, I came to realize that if you keep working hard, someone will always notice, and it will pay off.” Sanma: “You should give up that way of thinking as soon as possible.” Sanma: “People who believe hard work always pays off are mistaken. Those who think of what they’re doing as ‘hard work’ are usually looking at it the wrong way. It’s better to just leave it at, ‘I’m doing it because I enjoy it.’” Sanma: “It’s not good to expect your efforts to be rewarded. If you start thinking, ‘I’ve worked this hard, so why isn’t anything happening?’ you’ll just get angry. Nothing good comes from expecting something in return from people.” Sanma: “The most wonderful people are those who can do things without expecting anything in return.”

I’m Kazu, a male member. If you practiced asceticism, attained liberation, and reached enlightenment, you might be able to live without seeking anything in return. But I think wanting something in return is simply human nature. Love isn’t something to doubt or verify. I don’t think people’s feelings can be neatly classified as either present or absent, black or white.