Do not make someone a priority that only makes you an option

Are you that friend that drops everything to help someone in need? Are you the one that gets the call at 2 a.m. from the friend saying they need a ride home or, they have a flat... and you get out of your warm bed to go help. Maybe you are the one that gets the call from your friend complaining about their spouse or partner and oh, the drama... so much drama. But you listen, you are there for them, always. You would give the shirt off your back or your new dress (with the tags still on it) out your closet so they can look hot for their date. Or better yet, maybe you are the school volunteer that there is never a full time paying position for, but always a volunteer opportunity and, they even call you when you are on vacation because they just need a "minute" of your time.

And then......
Good friend that you are ...when you call them, maybe needing a shoulder or just someone to listen or that ride because your car broke down, you get the response that "they'll get back to you" or, "I'm in the middle of something but I have a few minutes" or even, "did you call so and so maybe they can pick you up - I don't have any gas".

Well if this describes you, I pose the question: Why are you making someone a priority that only makes you an option?

There are those of us who are natural givers. And, there are those of us that are natural takers that give nothing in return (y'all probably don't recognize yourselves but I think you know who you are).

To you, the good friend, the one that will do anything for anyone, give that last dollar or the shirt off your back it is time for you to exercise your options. I am not saying go against your nature of being a giving and nurturing individual, I am saying don't allow your energy to be drained by those that don't give anything in return. You are so dependable and predictable that your friends always know what to expect... that you will be there.

If it does not feel good at the end of the day . Change it. Don't be someone else's option. Re-establish your priorities.

Make those a priority that treat you as if you are a priority.