When do you draw the line between helping people and showing them how to help themselves?
We all need help from time to time. There is nothing wrong with that. But; sometimes people try to take advantage of your good nature by trying to get you to do this and that for them. Instead of attempting to do something for themselves.
I am not talking about elderly people, small children or people who cannot physically or mentally do for themselves. I’m talking about grown adults.
When we help each other, it feels good. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. The problem comes in when the person on the receiving end tries to abuse the situation. It is at these moments when we have to pause and think. Sometimes it is best to show someone or tell someone the steps they need to take to achieve what they want. It might not feel like a good thing at the time, and you might feel like it is easier to just do it for them. Not in every situation. You have to create a balance. Only you know when you have reached that point.
When it comes to able bodied individuals, they have to learn to do some things for themselves at some point in life. Being an enabler and allowing people to drain you for this or that is not helping you or the other person. Life is about trial and error. The only way we grow and learn in life is to experience things. These things may not always be comfortable, but we get through it and keep it moving.
So, when do you stop and say enough is enough? Do you run yourself ragged until you have nothing left or do you recognize that this is too much and draw the line? Everyone is different and some people have a higher tolerance for others who may be more dependent. Some people may feel that if they stop doing something for someone else, it might cause hurtful feelings.
What do you say on this subject?