I have had many experinces with people who are time and time again willing to tell me problems and wanting me to console them. Then when it comes time that I have a problem... just as emotional as theirs... they are busy with their life.

So now I just try to stick my energy into the few tried and true people in my life and everyone else is "just fun" and I don't take them seriously and end up hurt way less often.

you may just have to back away a little while until you have healed yourself.
that takes enough of your strength.
and it is not being mean, just survival...and i you are not a friend to yourself, you cannot be a friend to anyone else. so just take the time you need to heal...then try to help others when it doesnt drain you so much...
so heal yourself and dont let anyone drag you down weaker...
hugs
joyce

they want to suck your bood huh? Tell them they will catch depression. LOL Hi Steph. Check your mail. Mark

sorry ,
i forgot to add ,
never let anyone use you ,none of us have the strength for that ever.
but if someone is a kind person,needing help. try to help them.
the good people will not try to drain you , and will give back as much as they take.
that is when a friendship is rewarding.
for all involved.
hugs
joyce

I know exactly what you mean! It might be helpful if you pratice setting a sheild around yourself when you see yourself getting in these positions. It takes a little practice - if you'd like any pointers, message me, ok?
Blessings,Star

I've especially noticed it in phone conversations. I feel like I've helped the best I can and they keep going on, and I just can't figure out how to say goodbye without hurting their feelings.

I try to be a good listener, but like you said I know these people and when I have an emotional problem, they will be busy. I'll try to take some of these pointers.

It seems to me those kind of people are gone just long enough for me to forget what a jerk they were to me last time - and then they come whining for something, like I owe it to them!!
For me, it's a matter of remembering - and standing my ground as firmly as they stood theirs last time I asked.

I have always had the attitude that if someone needs it that much they can have it. I am a giver. So many takers in our world. And I know that many in here do not believe in God, or Heaven and hell, or the devil. (if I could make smaller letters for "devil" I would). This may not mean much to those who do not have my beliefs. But I do have my beliefs. I believe that if you treat others as you would like to be treated yourself, God has an obigation to open the door to Heaven wide and get a brass band or something. And I believe I will get there, and the multitude will reward me. Nuff said

Show the emotional vampires in your life the proverbial garlic and run. I have always been ready to listen to my friend's trouble and concerns and help them where I could. It was not until my life came crashing down around me that I realized how few friends I actually had, but how many "vampires" I had surrounded myself with.

I have cut them out of my life and believe me, I am much happier for the purging!

me and my brother both have this problem. We just avoid it if we feel that we can't handle being around that person. certain people just drain you. I know if i walk into a room and I have a certain person who makes me feel like I have a foot in my chest, I stay away from them. You are sensitive to energy which means you are in tune with your spiritual self.

I attract selfish people like flies. I want to be liked so much, I will do anything for anyone. Users figure this out
very quickly. I am still trying to establish boundaries and learn how to say NO.

Orphan - I am only asking this because I have the same problem, and I have asked myself recently - If I attract so many selfish people, then am I selfish???

I can not answer for you. We are all selfish in some ways. I have lots to work
on. I am very giving, so others just keep
taking. I need to learn to put myself first, not last. That is called self-esteem, not selfishness.