1. Not wrong, but way over the top.

2. I only give to whom I want what I want to give, knowing that these things were never mine to give in the first place. Their reactions to what I give is usually immaterial. I see "excessive demand" as a demand that wants more than what I can give, and by definition I cannot meet that demand. So I don't worry about it.

I am an old man, not rich or poor, and fairly stable in my life. I have a daughter whom I love very much. But I would definitely not show my love for my daughter in that fashion. And I wouldn't give a flying %$&# what anyone thought about my walnuts.

The person who gives without expecting anything in return will ultimately be the better for it.....but, admittedly, it is a rather hard path to walk at the time. We try to take such good care of the people we love - and sometimes have to wonder why they can't see that ....and why they don't reciprocate in kind. Here's what I've learned: some people are givers and some are takers. They're hard wired that way - and its very difficult to change them. So take a deep breath and ask yourself - are you better off with them in your life....or not? The answer might surprise you.

This story reminds me of all the times I have tried to accommodate complaints because I wanted cooperation with a project only to finally realize these complainers were never going to cooperate regardless of my actions. My current reaction has been to respond with, " I'm so sorry that you disagree, Unfortunately we are so far along on this that its impossible to change course. Perhaps you can find something else you can contribute to."

I always love your stories Pralina. The old man can do whatever he wants with his money for his daughter. I suspect if he knew about the walnut reaction, that family would eventually be purged from his and his daughters life. Life is so very short. It is best to cast off and distance ourselves from the small and churlish.

I would find another friend to make. Preferably one that enjoyed walks outside, fine spirits, music and laughter.

There is so much here from overindulgence to ingratitude. I love giving gifts that are well received, but hate giving them if they are expected. People that look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth, are lacking in something, and I normally don't like being around them. The fable gives a lot to think about, which is what they are supposed to do, thank you for sharing, it is a wonderful gift.

I don't have people like that in my life. I don't interfere in my friends and families lives unless they ask. I don't like people interfering in my life unless invited. Some people live very safe lives, afraid to take a chance, and think their friends and family should do the same. I also realize just because I may think what I am doing is in their best interest does not mean they feel the same way. Sometimes people can feel you are being meddlesome. It can be very subjective.

Good one honey I deal with ungrateful people simply " fuck off and good bye "

Good story, and it is so rich with possible interpretations, you could go on for pages.

No the old man I think was not wrong to do with his wealth whatever he wished, but he maybe wrong to expect to please everyone perfectly, no mater what he did. there is never perfection. But that would depend on his expectation. Or perhaps he was wrong if giving his money away, to give it to the wrong people, maybe he should have made a gift to the young couple instead, or made a gift to charity in their name, instead of wasting it on those who were not in need. Who knows ? It is, as I say, rich with themes.

The guest who found the rotten walnut reminds me of the term. "Ugly tourist." Used sometimes for travelers. Meaning the type of traveler who is not prepared to make, even the slightest accommodation, to the place they find themselves in. The sort who, having had a wonderful meal in a foreign land, goes to the wash room, and then emerges to complain loudly that the plug on his razor will not fit the wall socket. When of course the main fault is with himself for not doing his research and buying the appropriate adapter. But then some people do make the loudest compliant when it is mainly their own fault.