Communicate With Others Through Easy Barter
When our normal social systems are disrupted, people look for ways to communicate, help, and show affection – be it fresh baked goods, vegetables from the garden, pre-made cocktails or hand-sewn masks. Shared generosity is in the air right now, and I, for one, really enjoy it.
In my pantry I have a beautiful jar of fragrant, zesty, pungent chili oil . I didn’t. I didn’t buy this. I traded a few daiquiris for this, like that. In fact, lately I’ve been a frequent participant in “light exchange”: instead of describing strict, “equal” exchanges, I give things to friends, having a kind of vague understanding that they can give me something later. …
It worked especially well with A.A. Newton – so good that I feel a little guilty about it. She gave me chili butter, delicious tofu cheese puffs , a really excellent pasta salad and brisket burgers that she minced herself. I, in turn, gave her three pre-frozen daiquiris (with my special Cuban rum, which I brought from Canada), this peach-pear stroller and some vodka with rhubarb . I also lent her a sous video bath. I’ll bring her healing salt tomorrow. In addition to food, I recently brought a bottle of wine (and rhubarb vodka) to my friend Katie and was delighted to find that she made me a ring .
The key to easy barter is to make it easy. Drop any greedy impulses that capitalism has given you. Offer goods and services freely without expecting “fair” reciprocity. If you have a car, offer to pick up groceries for a friend who’s driving from home or without a car. If you’ve baked extra bread, consider it a loving home. If you have a need, do not be afraid to ask, but do not start your request with the words “since I gave you this jam …” or any such nonsense. Be polite, generous, and honest about your needs and limitations. Very few things make me feel good these days, but light bartering (and chili oil) is one of them.