I’m the type of person who always ends up in one-way friendships. I’ve always been one who loves to do more for others than I like to do for myself. Maybe that is what holds me back in life. I’m the naïve one who always sees the good in people and says, “Well, maybe they will change. Maybe they will be better this time. Maybe they will actually care this time.” I always give friends a second chance. I never seem to be given what I deserve in a friendship, though. I’ve been told that I let people walk all over me, and I didn’t believe it until recently when I realized I have gained multiple friends who use me for car rides, friends who eat my food or use my meal plan and a few friends who have betrayed me multiple times. However, I can’t seem to stop giving them multiple chances to be a better person and to be a better friend.

Being the naïve one gives me this reputation that I no longer want to have. Sure, I love being the one who is friends with everyone and someone that people can always rely on to be there because I know what it is like to have no one, but it gets tiring not receiving the same kind of treatment from the ones that I have done so much for. I want to be the person who doesn’t let people take advantage of me, but I just can’t help that I am an over-caring person.

We live in a world where everyone cares what others think but nobody genuinely cares about anyone else. If you’re someone who cares about the people around you, especially those that are important in your life, then you probably feel my pain. I always find myself saying, “I can’t do this because I have to do this for him.” Or “I can’t go and do that because I have to drive her there.” And frankly, I am sick of it. I wish I had the strength to tell people no and do something for myself for once. I’m getting better though. I’m learning to stand up for myself. I’m learning to be someone who can say no to doing something for someone else, no matter how guilty I feel afterwards. I’m learning because I realized that in this world, not many people value friendship the way that they should. People care more about how they will benefit from being friends with someone, whether it is because of their popularity or the amount of money they have or the connections they have, rather than the actual quality of the friendship.

So, if you’re someone who puts a lot into friendships and receives nothing in return, come and find me, and you’ll know you will get a lifelong friend who will care about you as much as you care about me. Together, we will learn how to stop being the naïve one.