I’ve had a profound realization lately about the way I give of myself to others. Having a kind and peaceful heart in an often unkind world can be both a blessing and a challenge. I’ve always believed in treating others with the same kindness and respect I hope to receive. It’s not about pleasing others – it’s about staying true to my values and being the type of person I want to be in this world.

For the longest time, I poured my heart into showing understanding and empathy to everyone around me, believing that kindness would naturally be met with basic respect. I’d find ways to show love and support, even during my own struggles, because that’s who I am at my core. But time and time again, I’ve watched my genuine care be met with indifference or, worse, taken advantage of.

The hard truth I’m finally accepting is that some people simply aren’t in a position to form mutual relationships built on respect and compassion. Whether due to their own unhealed trauma or self-centered nature, they continue taking while giving nothing in return. Research shows this dynamic often leads to genuine kindness being taken for granted rather than appreciated.

I’ve found myself caught in this pattern of giving endlessly to those who don’t value it, hoping my authentic care would somehow inspire them to reciprocate with basic respect. But all it’s done is leave me emotionally exhausted, forming what experts call “survival attachments” – relationships maintained not out of mutual care but out of a desperate hope for eventual reciprocity.

This summer brought the final lesson I needed. After yet another experience of showing love to someone who had hurt me deeply, of responding to disrespect with unwavering kindness, I realized I had to break this pattern. No more showering love on those who make me question my worth. No more extending endless understanding to people who can’t be bothered to show basic respect.

It’s not about becoming unkind or bitter. It’s about recognizing that true kindness must include being kind to myself. It’s about understanding that when someone shows me I don’t matter to them – through their actions, their lack of effort, their disregard – I need to believe them the first time.

This realization feels both liberating and a little sad. Liberating because I’m finally giving myself permission to stop pouring from an empty cup. Sad because I wish I’d learned this lesson sooner, before all those times I gave the best parts of myself to people who couldn’t value them.

But maybe that’s exactly what I needed to experience to reach this point of clarity. Sometimes the most profound growth comes from finally acknowledging what we’ve known deep down all along – that we deserve the same kindness we so freely give to others.

From now on, I’m letting my experiences this summer be the last time I respond to hurt with unconditional love, the last time I try to earn respect through endless giving. Instead, I’m learning to recognize those who are worthy of my energy and care, while gracefully stepping back from those who aren’t ready or willing to engage in genuine reciprocal relationships.

After all, true connection can’t be earned through self-sacrifice. It can only be built on a foundation of mutual respect, care, and understanding. And sometimes the kindest thing we can do – for ourselves and others – is to accept when that foundation simply isn’t there.

Moving forward, I’m adopting a more balanced approach to giving. Instead of offering unconditional love and support upfront, I’m letting relationships develop naturally. People can earn deeper levels of care and trust through their actions, not just their words or potential. This doesn’t mean becoming cold or withholding kindness – it means being realistic about where I invest my emotional energy.

I’m learning to observe how people show up in my life:

• Do they reciprocate effort in building the relationship?
• How are they in other relationships and showing up for others?
• Is their behavior consistent?
• Is there a variable in their life at this current moment contributing to them not being able to show up as their true selves?
• Are they consistent in their words and actions?
• Do they respect my boundaries and time?
• Can they offer support, not just take it?

This new approach feels more sustainable and honest. It allows me to maintain my caring nature while protecting my well-being. Most importantly, it creates space for authentic connections with people who are capable of and interested in mutual growth and support.

By being more discerning with my giving, I’m actually honoring both myself and others. I’m acknowledging that meaningful relationships require input from both sides, and that’s not just okay – it’s healthy. This isn’t about keeping score, but about ensuring that my kindness flows in directions where it can truly flourish and make a difference.

The journey ahead involves learning to sit with the discomfort of not immediately rushing to give everything of myself. It means trusting that the right people will appreciate and match my energy naturally, without me having to prove my worth through endless giving. And ultimately, it means creating space for the kind of deep, nurturing relationships that can only exist when both parties are equally invested in their growth.