St. Valentine smiled my way and I received beautiful red roses, though my happiness was short-lived. My friend Leah’s chronic demands during a phone call ruined it all. "Do not forget that Friday is my birthday. A Givenchy perfume is all I need from you. Nothing but Givenchy,” insisted Leah before hanging up.Why on earth would Leah demand for expensive gifts?  Well, I probably do not blame her because I am well aware of the "barter trade” tradition. Leah expected some classy present in return for all the birthday gifts she ever gave me. While tit for tat is common, the key to true happiness is giving with no expectations. Like the saying goes, "a woman of strength gives the best of her, to everyone.”Love, friendship, family and work relationships all depend on commitment, passion and enthusiasm investment, not expectations. In fact, happiness is allergic to expectations. Like the Holy Book says, people reap what they sow; the opposite can never work.  In an era where recognition is vital, going above and beyond for a loved one matters. Giving, giving and more giving without expectations is ideal because;1. A cheerful heart means great health; Giving comes with untold happiness for the heart and soul. There is nothing more amazing than putting a smile on someone’s face without any agenda to it.The giving I mean goes beyond material things, infact it’s the true definition of a gift. A gift can be anything—not just something that cost you money, not just something that is physical.  A Gift is anything whose value surpasses the price.  People who put their soul, their heart and their passion in other people’s well being are indeed a gift.2. It is pain free; Expectations always come with complaints and grumbling. On the contrary, genuine giving bribes a wicked heart into giving back.  Many broken families blame it on open handed partners, ready to receive what they don’t give.  As for many successful homes, happiness came after sacrificing all they could.  Expecting and not getting is worse than not expecting at all.4. It will rescue you when bad situations arise; No man is an island. In the walk through life; the good that we do that bails us out of trouble, when least expected. One good turn always deserves another.  That is the way it always works.5. It’s a womanly thing; It’s indeed a great challenge to mother the world; isn’t it? While many women take the back seat in confronting central issues, it’s essential that they get involved. A woman who isn’t misplaced is one who is kind and concerned about whatever goes around her and is always willing to lend a hand.And as we willingly give, it will all come back to us because giving comes with blessings.