Some people will value you, and some people will only value what you can do for them.
You're a kind, helpful, and giving person. Some people would say that makes you a good person, but some people would say that makes you naive prey. Sustainable giving means the ability to replenish or being replenished also. Otherwise, you'll burn out. If at the near beginning of a relationship, you find you're put in a position to help someone, by all means, do it. But if you put out one fire and three more pop up and then the original one pops up again, it's time to step back. Some problems were actually going on for years and this person may have been through several helpers until they burnt out or quit. It's not in you, so it's hard to see. Instead of looking for smirks or inconsistent gratitude versus entitlement or checking off Narcissist signs lists, ask yourself a few things. 1. Was my life better before I met this person? 2. How is this relationship improving my life? 3. Is most of my time in this relationship spent doing unpaid labor? ...
