Does Altruism exist ?

Isn’t it funny how you don’t hear an unusual word – like Altruism – regularly and then it pops up twice in 48 hours!! 

When starting this blogging challenge I asked people to nominate subjects or words and Helen Mioc nominated Altruism ( I wasn’t even sure I completely understood what it meant!) and  2 days later at a charity lunch for The Hope Foundation, one of the charity’s ambassadors Fiona Fullerton ( ex Bond girl and Strictly Come Dancing star) gave a very inspiring speech about how she became involved with the charity.  She spoke about how at a challenging time in her life she decided that she would visit India and volunteer some time there , believing she was being completely altruistic ( the unselfish concern for other peoples welfare) – however she admitted what she was really doing was filling up a void in her life, she wasn’t being altruistic at all- however this did ultimately lead to her becoming ambassador for the charity. 

So what is Altruism ?  It is the unselfish care for others welfare either through giving time, energy or money to aid the betterment of others without seeking anything in return.  It can range from anonymous donations of cash to just kindly holding the door open for someone who is laden down with bags, it can be volunteering your time on a regular basis to any charity, donating to a suspended coffee collection for the homeless,  or performing small random acts of kindness – true altruism is about giving in a quiet unassuming way just for the sheer joy of feeling good within at being able to help or give to someone.  

It’s  done without expecting any *glory* or PR, recognition or reward in return ! It’s done without even the expectation of a *Thank you* or anyone noticing your kindness – and how many of us can actually manage that? 

Do we even manage Altruism in our friendships and relationships? Do we only want to GIVE in return for something or is it possible to give without expectation of anything at all? Would love to hear your comments or ideas:-)