By Joey Santos Jr.
A “churl, hunk, miser, penny-pincher, piker, scrooge, skinflint, tightwad”. None of these are nice words to describe another person.
But then again, neither is the person these words describe.
The meaning of “skate” in “cheapskate” comes from British slang and refers to “chap” or “fellow.” It is based on the Scottish term “skyte,” which means “a contemptible person,” and this, in turn, comes from an even older term that means something much worse. ( I won’t repeat it )
It’s safe to say that being a cheapskate is nothing to aspire to. Yet we’ve all met, been married or related to, even friends with one or two in our lives. I remember, as a kid, my parents referring to certain people in that regard. My parents were incredibly generous with everything. Every meal out with whoever the guests were, my Father would be the first person to pick up the check, no matter where we were or how much it was. That was him. But it was also a display to my lessons in growing up on graciousness.
Now, there is a difference between being “cheap” and being “frugal.” Frugal people are more about prioritizing their spending so that they can have more of the things they really care about, while “cheap” people are often afraid to spend money. They’re willing to sacrifice quality, value, and time in the hope to “cash in” on some short-term savings.
Think about the mentality there. If it were really just about money, there’d be no need for conversation. The fact is that “cheap” runs deep. Very deep.
Did you know one can be stingy and never realize it? One can give and still be stingy. There are some people who give, but with a grudging heart. They think, “Aww, do I really have to?” Some people offer things, but in their mind, they hope the other person says no. They think, “well, I offered”!
We should think about others. Give with a cheerful heart not expecting anything in return. Be generous of time, energy, and spirit. Stinginess need not apply.
There is a saying: “Do not eat the food of a stingy person. Do not crave his delicacies, for he is like someone calculating the cost in his mind. “Eat and drink,” he will say to you, but his heart is not with you. You will forever regret the little bit you have eaten.”
Remember, our “Higher Power” loves a cheerful giver. Continue to give freely and joyfully. Hoard nothing. Share all. This is one life, one world, and one time to do things as intended.
If we keep in our minds how “being cheap” can cheapen us, we may begin to change for the better. Even in our every day, when we speak to others, find kindness. When we speak to ourselves, find kindness. Look deeply, listen intently. The universe rewards us. It is always listening and watching us when we do right. As it is when we do the opposite, therefore we will suffer its consequences. Generosity (in all forms) is simple if you open up your heart. Your “wallet” will eventually follow.
