Giltwist

What makes an act charitable? Is it the intent? But does this then excuse failed attempts? For all your good intentions, more harm may be done that good. Or is it the effect your actions cause? While you may only be charitable for, say, notoriety, is it enough that your acts have improved in some way or another, the lives of others?

My dilemma: My friend is in the hospital. I really do not enjoy going to hospitals. This being the case, it would be selfish of me not to go, for my going may make my friend feel better. On the other hand, if I don't go, I would never hear the end of it from some of my friends. That being the case, it would be selfish of me to go for my desire is not to solely to help but also to avoid trouble.

Thoughts, reactions.

Edit: Be aware that I AM going, but this does not solve the ethical dilemma.