Are we obligated to return the affection of others when we do not really feel it? The April 14 article, “”Obligatory affection damages relationships,”” by Taylor Warner, poses a stimulating question.

If their offer is refused, the giver of affection will receive sympathy and could possibly cause others to emulate bitterness towards the rejecter of the affection. The affection-rejecter might be considered a cruel person for not returning the affection offered to them. In such a complex case we must put ourselves in each person’s position.

Imagine being offered affection by someone you do not consider relationship-worthy. Wouldn’t you reject them instead of making yourself miserable by becoming their boyfriend/girlfriend? And wouldn’t you think it was unfair if you were judged for rejecting the affection-giver?

Now put yourself in the affection-giver’s position. You want to have your affection returned, of course, but would you really want to be lied to as the object of your affection reluctantly enters into a relationship with you? What if they truthfully had no romantic feelings for you?

This article puts the issue of unwanted relationships into perspective.