​When Giving Feels One-Sided

Ever since I can remember, I've been the one everyone leans on. My colleagues, friends, and family - they all seem to come to me whenever they need support, advice, or just someone to lend them a hand. Initially, it felt great to be the reliable one, the rock everyone could cling to. But as time went on, this role began to feel heavy, more like a burden than an honor.

Sometimes, it feels like I'm more of a resource than a person. It seems like people only check in to see what I can do for them, not how I'm doing. They come to me with their needs, and once they're met, they disappear, leaving me empty and wondering if they would do the same for me.

The silence is deafening when I'm the one in need. It forces me to question the value of my relationships. Am I only appreciated for what I can give? This question hurts, leaving a lingering sense of loneliness.

I've come to understand that giving shouldn't leave me feeling empty. Real relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding and they are about balance. They're not transactions but shared connections where both sides show they care. Yet, I find myself always being the giver, and I have to ask myself why the balance is so off.

I know I need to set boundaries. It's not about giving less but expecting a basic level of respect and consideration in return. Saying "no" or "not now" is something I'm learning to do, watching to see who truly values me for more than what I can provide. Those who truly care understand. Those who don't, well, maybe they were never really there for me.

This journey to self-realization is tough. It's full of self-doubt, sadness, but ultimately, it leads to empowerment. Recognizing my worth is the first step in changing how my relationships work. I am more than a giver; I deserve to receive as well.

Lately, I've felt drained from always being the one who gives. I believe my needs matter too, but it's hard for me to stop giving. I keep wondering, when will it be okay to ask for the love and support I so freely give to others? I dream of a world where relationships are truly two-way streets, and it's perfectly fine to ask for the balance I so rightfully deserve.