Have you ever had a friendship or been in a relationship where all you do is put the other person first all the time? You care about your friend's well-being and their needs (and even their wants) before you care about yourself. You put all of your love and energy into the relationship -- not because you need to, but because that's who you are as a person. You give all of your positive energy to the people you care about.
In most relationships, there is at least one “giver.” The giver is typically the person who is willing to go to the end of the earth to make someone else happy. They will put others before themselves, even if that means sacrificing their own needs and wants. And after interacting with the giver, you will feel a boost in your own energy because of what they gave you.
At times it can be exhausting, giving all the love and energy you have to another person. Rather than focusing more on yourself, your instincts tell you to turn your attention to others. Instead of taking the time to make self-improvements, stress and exhaustion have the ability to take over your life. Although you love helping others, there are times when it gets to be a burden, taking a toll on your health and well-being.
The worst part of being the one to always give in a conversation is that often times the person you're speaking with doesn't give something back to you to even out the energy exchange. All they do is take, and that can be incredibly draining for the person naturally inclined to give. These are the "takers." They differ from the giver in that they are constantly seeking care, attention, and energy from another person.
Hopefully the “takers” in your friendships are grateful for the time and energy you give to them. And hopefully they are aware that while they love receiving all that they do from you, you (and other givers) deserve the same help, love and respect in return.
Better than being just the "giver" or just the "taker" is actually achieving a balance of both tendencies. A constant ebb and flow of giving and taking between friends is what creates that happy medium and a balanced relationship. The best connections and conversations are the ones where there is a fair exchange of energy. When you give to others, it is nice for them to give back to you, and vice versa.
Above all else, whether you are a “giver” or a “taker,” remember to take care of yourself. Always being there to support and help other people can conflict with the way you prioritize self-care. Every once in a while, you deserve to take some time to yourself in order to regenerate. Don't forget that.
