We most times look at our past and wish we had done some things a little differently, I wish we had been able to curb our emotions, we wish we had been able to set boundaries and put people in places they belong in our lives without letting them overstep their boundaries but we couldn't because we thought these people were matured enough and knew how to treat people respectfully and cordially even when the gate is open for them.
I regret not embracing these positive practices in my life, but I am glad I learned them even the hard way but I am starting to now. Even though I may have made a lot of mistakes, I am going to be sure that I am conscious about it, and here is what I learned.
Just because you are kind doesn't mean you have to lose yourself or put yourself in an uncomfortable position to please others. Now, there is it, many people take being kind to them for granted, so to be on the safe side and not regret, try not to put yourself in an uncomfortable position doing that, or when being kind to others try not to please others with your act, but do it because that is what you wish to do for them.
A friend once told me, that he doesn't lend/borrow money to anyone no matter how close you both are, he instead gives you a portion of whatever you ask from you and asks you to go sort yourself. Whatever he is giving you, it is not a debt, he is giving it to you as his part contribution to help your situation. When he told me his opinion, I was not in support of it but as I grow old and get a lot of experience from people, I realize that it is the best advice and I should have taken it.
I have learned that when we give help without boundaries, we risk being taken for granted, and users don't get tired of using, we have a lot of people who are in your life because of what they can get or what they are getting being in your life, so not having boundaries when giving because you feel they are a part of you, only put you at risk of being used and being taken for granted.
Selah!