I'm not even going to bother with an intro. You've obviously read the title. You know what this article is going to be about. So I won't bother with the fake, the proper "without further ado." You already know what I'm going to say, you've clicked on the link, and it's brought you here.

This is advice that commonly gets tossed around, especially around girls who are trying to comfort their own despairing girlfriends. You know the drill: Don't even worry about it, girl! They aren't worth your time, anyway. You gotta think about you, yanno? And on and on and on...yeah, you've heard it all; you know how it goes.

You've heard it all, and so has millions of other people, but why don't we ever act on it? Such perfect advice, such truth, and yet it seems to go to waste every single time? But why?

Because some of us care too much.

It's the truth! Some of us in this cruel, harsh world only want the best for their friends and family, and so they make sacrifices. They sacrifice their time, their jobs, their dreams, and even, sometimes, their lives to brighten up the lives of others, to see someone else smile, to find someone else realize their dream come true. Parents do it all the time, and so do friends.

And nothing's wrong with that. People like that make the world go round; they are what keep humanity alive. They are living blessings, but--

It all goes wrong when you take it too far.

You deserve your life too, you know.

It's only natural that parents want the best for their kids. It's only natural that friends want the best for their friends. But you matter too, you know? You exist for a reason. You have dreams and talents.

And while it's fine that you give up some of your breathing room to make someone's life better, you shouldn't be giving up your entire life.

I'm not telling you to leave your despairing friend crying on her own time. But if there's an obvious pattern, and the same mistakes are being made, you shouldn't have to sacrifice your own time to help solve the same problem. You matter. You exist. Leave your friend crying over the same abusive boy so you can study for your calc exam in a few days. Leave your whiny, spoiled children with their grandparents for a few days so you can get ahead on your studies, or your job. I'm not saying you have to stop caring; I'm saying that you have to start, only caring for yourself. Please stay humble. Please stay sympathetic. Please keep caring. Please keep talking, and loving.

Because, remember: words have power, but so does your life.