[Stormieweather]

See, here's the thing. We teach people how to treat us. Our own expectations and boundaries indicate to others how far they can push us. If we don't draw the line and say here is where what's good for you conflicts with what is good for me, they'll generally assume they can keep on taking.

In addition, if we don't take care of ourselves first, we really are of very little use to anyone else. An emotionally, physically and financially drained person can't effectively help or assist anyone.

Sometimes people don't draw the line or say 'enough' because giving to others feels good, because they expect something in return, or they simply aren't attuned enough to their own needs to know when giving has become detrimental to their well being.

Engaging in other people's drama is a choice. You have the right to say no and/or to walk away. It is not your responsibility to 'fix' another person's problems. Sympathy and empathy are all well and good, but when you become so enmeshed in another person's individual issues that they become yours, you've lost sight of what is healthy.

Stormie