CO-DEPENDENCE

"I care not so much what I am to others as what I am to myself." 

~ Michel de Montaigne ~

I like everyone to be happy with me at all times which is its own kind of dysfunction. Wanting to please others, being afraid of disappointing them, going out of my way and beyond my own limitations to make sure that everyone around me is taken care of and feels good is a personally costly way to live.
     Being kind, generous, and compassionate is one thing, but sacrificing our own well-being for the well-being of others as a habit and a rule is something else entirely. We can be loving and do good without giving ourselves entirely away.

I care for myself so that I can care for others.