Here's how gratitude differs from a feeling of indebtedness (feeling of being in debt): • A feeling of indebtedness arises when a person believes they are under an obligation to repay the act of help they received. • Gratitude doesn't involve any such obligations and it does imply feeling indebted. • Indebtedness can cause the recipient to avoid the person who helped them. • Whereas a feeling of gratitude can encourage the recipient to seek out and strengthen their relationship with their benefactor.