"SLC-S24/W5 - Thoughts and reflections.
Hello, friends welcome to my post in which I have discussed "Powerful Debate/ Thoughts and reflections" as part of my participation in this 👉Steemit Challenge S24W5 organized by @fannyescobar
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Share a true story of your own or a close one about a similar situation.
It is said that experience is the best teacher. If we haven't experienced how life is, we would never learn even if we keep reading books over and over, but we learn faster from our experiences in life.
There is this close friend of mine called "Peter" who was so generous in assisting people both at his place of work and home. It is not as if this friend of mine is so wealthy, but he just likes giving out of the little that he has and assisting people. Peter once helped his neighbor who was going through a tough (hard) time by loaning money, providing food, and offering his neighbor emotional support.
For about 2 months, his neighbor grew dependent on Peter's help (support) but offered little in return. When Peter asked for a small favor in return, using his neighbour car battery to start his car, he was met with several excuses. This is someone whom Peter has been taking good care of for the past 2 months, but couldn't assist Peter with his car battery so he could check his car. As good as Peter is, he used to give out his car to his neighbor whenever his neighbour car was faulted. Peter was so shocked, feeling betrayed
Share a reflection of your own or a close one about a situation where you see someone taking advantage of you without compassion to achieve their personal goals.
Peter said something that made him stop helping people as he used to help in the past.
He said, "I thought I was doing good by helping my neighbor. I thought being kind meant giving endlessly. On this day, I have learned that healthy kindness includes saying no sometimes. If you are truly respected by someone, you will be understood. From today I will stop being so generous to people as humans are so wicked."
I understand Peter because I have experienced so many things in my life where my helper turned out to hurt me. When rendering help to someone, don't think the person can be of help to you tomorrow when you're in need of help, because most people don't think if you have helped them or not, which I understand how bitter my friend Peter was.
What advice would you give to someone currently experiencing this situation?
First I would say that if you feel or think that someone is using your good heart, take a step back and ask yourself this question;
Am I receiving respect and care in return from this person I am helping?
Do I feel uplifted or drained by this connection?
Would this person I am helping be there for me if I needed the same help tomorrow?
Once you are done asking yourself the above questions, I would advise you to set small boundaries and see how they react. A true partner or friend won't punish you for respecting yourself, because you're not selfish for protecting your peace of mind. It is good to help others but do that in a way that will not affect you in return, as being kind doesn't mean you are available for everyone at the cost of your own. Give when you have or feel like giving and not when you think you want to please the person you are helping because you may end up displeasing yourself.