Is it normal to prioritize a friend's needs over your own well-being?

Many people find themselves in situations where they put a friend's needs ahead of their own, sometimes to their detriment. This often stems from a deep desire to be a supportive friend and a fear of letting someone down. It's a common struggle to balance loyalty with personal preservation, especially when a friend is going through a difficult time.

Research from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicates that individuals who consistently over-extend themselves in friendships report higher levels of stress and reduced personal sat

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Am I the only one who feels compelled to prioritize a friend's needs over my own well-being?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone prioritize a friend's needs over their own well-being?

Does Everyone?

Is it weird to prioritize a friend's needs over your own well-being?

Is It Weird?

Why do I prioritize a friend's needs over my own well-being?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

She had a certain vivacity, a kind of magnetic insouciance that just drew people in, and she knew it, too. …

toxic loyalty

I guess I'm just typing this out because I can't really talk to anyone about it, not in real life anyway. …

toxic loyalty

Am I the only one who cleans like EVERYTHING for my older brother all weekend and buys him food and he still acts like I’m the problem—like does anyone else just feel EXHAUSTED by that?

toxic loyalty

Like, I’ll spend hours there, scrubbing toilets, doing laundry, mopping floors, and then I’ll be like, "Frank, you really gotta try to keep it a bit cleaner, you know? …

toxic loyalty

ok so like i gotta get this off my chest and i know im gonna get ripped apart but whatever and im just like im up late studying for this stupid stats final and my brain is just fried and i cant focus… …

toxic loyalty

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm giving too much in a friendship?▾
You might be giving too much if you consistently feel drained, resentful, or like your own life and responsibilities are suffering because of the demands of the friendship. Pay attention to whether the support feels one-sided over time.
What happens if I always put others first?▾
Consistently putting others first can lead to emotional exhaustion, neglect of your own important goals or relationships, and a feeling of being undervalued. It can also prevent others from developing their own coping mechanisms.
When should I say no to a friend's request?▾
It's appropriate to say no when a request impacts your health, financial stability, or other core responsibilities. Also consider saying no if you've already given a lot or if the request feels manipulative or unreasonable.

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