"Be nice," as my mom would say. "Even when you're angry or upset."

Although I enjoyed breaking the rules and wreaking havoc, I've always had the biggest heart. College managed to turn me even softer and nicer. I guess I can say that it's both a blessing and a curse.

I get it: I give more than I receive. But, I had always preferred giving because that's just who I am. Though it may sound bad, I never expect people to do this and that for me. Of course, I appreciate the ones who do take the time and effort to do something for me, and it makes my heart happy. But, I find more joy in doing things for others, whether or not the person notices.

So, what's the problem? The problem is that I've become way too kind that I didn't realize that people started to take advantage of me and step all over me.

If none of the very few important people in my life ever sat me down and brought this up, I would've not been fully aware of what was happening to me. And, it is true, there's such thing as being "too nice."

A fine line lies between treating people with kindness and giving so much more than you take. Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating for being selfish and greedy, but I'm saying you should save some of that generosity for yourself. You can't keep giving even when you don't have anything anymore. You may be sending the wrong message to everyone around you; they'll think that you'll always do anything and everything for them, which should not be the case. You can't let them depend on you. You have to realize that you need to take care of yourself as well. You can't just keep putting everyone else before you.

Here I am. After realizing that I've been doing too much for other people, I decided that it really is time to put myself first now. I can't keep putting myself off to the side when I need to be there for myself more than ever. I deserve more than what I've been giving myself. If I can do all these incredible things for others, why can't I do them for myself too?

Why am I being greedy to myself?

Why am I putting up with such questionable situations?

Why is it so hard for me to be nice to myself?

I've been too focused on constantly helping someone that I forgot to I needed to be nice to myself. I haven't been fair. I have to start saying no. I have to distance myself away for a little bit. I have to stop letting people use me. I have to stand my ground. I have to protect myself.