Buying is defined as the acquisition of one thing in exchange for something else. Of course it goes beyond ownership or the trading of things. Buying is an exchange of trust and value—a belief in promises we expect will be kept.

Selling is described as the transfer of goods or services in exchange for money. Of course it’s much more than this. Selling is an exchange of trust and value—a set of promises we intend to keep.

What we’re really trading in is promises—assurances upon which expectations are based, which means that our intention is a big part of what we sell.

Image by Kamyar Adl.