As someone who is known to be a giver in most friendships and relationships, I rarely ever pause and ask myself how much is too much. I’ve been in countless situations where I have given emotion, time, and money to the point where it is unnecessary.
Speaking for those that are similar to myself, there are two sides of a coin to consider. For the most part, I am willing to give and give, without the expectation of any return. If I choose to invest my time and energy and efforts in you, I am not deducing what I can gain from you; in my opinion, relationships are not meant to be viewed as an exchange of gives-and-takes. On the other hand, there are several studies that show that people like this are often taken advantage of or are in close relationships with narcissistic people that drain you to the bottom of an empty vessel.
All I can ask of anyone who reads this is to take two steps back from the relationships and friendships that you currently have. Does this situation sound like you? Or are you accidentally acting as the selfish person?
If, by any chance, you can see yourself as the selfish person, pause. You are whole by yourself; you do not need to use another person to fulfill your confidence or another person’s resources to be whole. If you are realizing you are similar to me, take the initiative to create some space and for one second, consider what may be important to you. Consider what you want, for one moment. Do not let your selfless nature turn you into a person who is not chase full-heartedly after what you really deserve.