26/12/2024
You got this 🌷
Yes, it is indeed true that it is also important to feel that we are being reciprocated from the things that we do to others. It gives a sense of belongingness, acceptance, appreciation, validation, and affirmation.
However, if we keep on rigidly expecting others to do things for us because we have done things for them, then the relationship becomes very transactional - full of “conditions of worth”. This becomes a ground for neurotic thinking and behaviors (ex: “I am only liked when people react to my post”, I am only loved when I do this and that…” etc.)
It does not necessarily mean that people don’t like you if they do not react to your posts. Some may have missed out seeing it.
People forget things. We sometimes forget birthdays, anniversaries, and other important occasions. It is okay to feel bad to others when they do forget (most especially our closest ones) but it is not enough to just cancel them right away.
The danger of “always” looking for validation and reciprocal relations from others is we start depending the value of who we are and what we do to others. We lose the spirit of volunteerism because we cannot get something from doing things for others.
Start setting healthy boundaries if we think that we are not being appreciated from the things we are doing - and indeed it is okay to give that energy to people who can make you feel valued. But, it should not go to the extent of generalizing the need to feel reciprocated in all things that we do for others.
Remember, your existence in the world and your heart to do things for others already makes you an individual of value and worth 💛
Don’t stop helping and supporting others while considering your boundaries and limitations.