Physical, mental, or emotional payment, giving, or time or effort spent, with an expectation of a future benefit. For example:
- Investing in a child's education, with the expectation or their future success or happiness
- Spending time and effort building a friendship or marriage, with the expectation of the benefits that come with it (love, trust, respect, etc.)
- Generosity, with the expectation of good karma or receiving something back from life