Feeling an obligation to assist is one thing, but when this sense of duty transforms into guilt, it becomes a problem. A repeated failure to set the necessary boundaries or assert your own needs can often leads to resentment.
- Send your love, not your worries. Care for those you love, but don’t become emotionally entangled in their problems. Maintain a healthy emotional distance and protect your mental and emotional well-being.
- Offer support, not solutions. Trust that those you care about can figure things out on their own. If they can’t, trust that they’ll turn to you for help when needed. Don’t offer help unbidden. Be cautious about enabling others to sidestep their problems by relying on you to solve them. Encourage self-reliance and personal growth.
You don’t need to extinguish every fire that ignites around you. Assisting with other people’s problems can be emotionally draining. Embrace your boundaries.
As you invest time and energy to the concerns of others, remember that there’s no one looking out for you. Your time and energy are valuable, so use them intentionally and protect your own well-being.
Idea for Impact: Failing to set boundaries turns obligation into guilt, fostering resentment. Balance care and self-preservation.