Sometimes, I just don't have the patience to be the bigger person. Nope. Can't do it. I know it sounds immature, and I know it's very unbecoming, but let's be honest: sometimes people take advantage of other people's generosity with no regard for how that person feels. 

What is it about me that people think they can just disregard my feelings, just use me and throw me away when they feel like it, and then come back to me only when they need me? I'm not a slave. Yet there are some that seem to think I owe them long-term servitude, even when the relationship has ceased to be mutually beneficial. Why should I continue if I'm not seeing any return on my investment of time and energy?

I don't want a pat on the back for my contributions. All I ask for in return is the same opportunity that are bestowed upon everyone else who has participated in the grand scheme of things. But somehow people seem to think they can decide for me what I should or should not be doing.

I just don't think this is fair, so I am pushing back, and this is causing conflict. Why? Because people are finally noticing how much I bring to the table, now that they see other people trying to pick up the lion's share of the work. I'm sorry, but if you don't value my contributions and expertise on a given subject matter, then I don't feel I need to share it with you anymore. You can figure it out yourself. And if you think that I didn't add anything of value, then I'll wash my hands of the issue and you can take over and do things how you see fit. 

It's not that easy now, is it, now that you see how much I am really worth? Good luck, because you're going to need it. 

I've always loved that John Lennon quote. It's so true.

I really hate it when I see women playing the helpless role when they are not. What gets me irked is when someone constantly feigns helplessness in order to sidestep the responsibility of doing things themselves, especially if it's their own business that needs tending to. It's selfish and inconsiderate. It's deceitful and self-limiting.

If you're a grown woman, you should know how to handle your own business without the constant companion of a male friend or co-worker to help. The damsel in distress bit is tired and played out. Own up to your life and be your own person instead of constantly having to rely on someone to take care of your stuff.

It just annoys me when people use others as a crutch and don't learn to be self-sufficient. I understand there are times when people genuinely need someone to be there, but to continually trust others to do what you need to do is like watching someone else run your life. Eventually, the people you count on to make your decisions realize that they're just being used and screw you, or they'll just stop being your friend. And when that happens, you'll have no one to blame but yourself.