A few months ago someone on this forum described me as someone who "puts the needs of others before my own", and went on to say that this "isn't how we're built". Now, I don't know if that's completely true, but I do know that a lot of the time my conscience pushes me to help people, to make their lives better, to generally make things better. When I see a situation I can improve, I usually take the opportunity.
With that in mind, I've noticed that there are many instances where my good will is not even close to reciprocated or appreciated, and sometimes is even met with suspicion. People that I go far out of my way for still act selfishly toward me when push comes to shove. It's true even of people who are very close to me, I can usually predict how they're going to act in any given situation pending on what's in it for them.
What I've said is a bit ironic because I'm making it sound like I expect something in return (I don't), but the real issue is that with time I'm starting to feel that if it's not in people to act outside of their own interests maybe they don't deserve my help. There is a part of me that can't help but feel a little smug and happy with the idea that I could have stepped in and saved someone from drowning, but don't because there's no way they'd do the same for me.
If you look at all of this logically you basically need to take your life strategy in mind and ask "is it a good idea to help people". Most of the time I would say the answer is yes, but I think the answer is no when you end up losing more than the other gains. If you're fully sacrificing yourself for the benefit of others, you need to reconsider.
What do you think? What are some good reasons to not help others in need?
With that in mind, I've noticed that there are many instances where my good will is not even close to reciprocated or appreciated, and sometimes is even met with suspicion. People that I go far out of my way for still act selfishly toward me when push comes to shove. It's true even of people who are very close to me, I can usually predict how they're going to act in any given situation pending on what's in it for them.
What I've said is a bit ironic because I'm making it sound like I expect something in return (I don't), but the real issue is that with time I'm starting to feel that if it's not in people to act outside of their own interests maybe they don't deserve my help. There is a part of me that can't help but feel a little smug and happy with the idea that I could have stepped in and saved someone from drowning, but don't because there's no way they'd do the same for me.
If you look at all of this logically you basically need to take your life strategy in mind and ask "is it a good idea to help people". Most of the time I would say the answer is yes, but I think the answer is no when you end up losing more than the other gains. If you're fully sacrificing yourself for the benefit of others, you need to reconsider.
What do you think? What are some good reasons to not help others in need?