Hello Danielle!

Your post was clear and there is no need to apologize. If someone doesn’t understand, they will ask 🙂 That is kind of the crux of the matter: you are taking responsibility of other people’s feelings.

I can relate to what you are saying as I’ve had similar issues myself, and partly still do. It’s nowhere near as bad as it was before, as I actively let go and focus more on myself. It is possible to change unhealthy relationship patterns, it just requires some self-awareness.

I can completely understand how it weighs you down when you feel that you have this responsibility. But you are not the one who is responsible. There is a difference between being a compassionate listener and actually taking on the responsibility of making sure that the other person feels comfortable.

I remember this one time when I was in a support group meeting. I think it might’ve even been the very first time I attended. Essentially, everyone had a chance to talk, one at a time, and others would listen, but nobody was allowed to comment. Because of this rule, I had to really pay attention to being quiet when another person was talking. It’s not that I would’ve always been someone who would interrupt, but I had no idea that I had subconsciously made so many small gestures, as if I was tending to the person who was speaking. It was weird. I had to hold my hand over my mouth in a subtle way so that I would remember to keep quiet and allow the other person to speak. What people were speaking there were mostly about problematic things. This made it even harder for me to stay quiet. Listening to another person who was lost and confused, and I was not allowed to do anything or say anything. Something in my brain clicked and I pretty much physically felt for the first time in my life my own boundaries: I am responsible for my own issues and the other person was responsible of their issues. It felt incredible, like a bond had been cut and I was free.

This was the epiphany for me, but the change has happened through small changes. Changing my habits of getting too involved. It is difficult, especially with people who are close to you. It’s easier to start with people who you don’t know that well.

I got help from the formal setting, but I’m not sure what sort of support group would be suitable for you, or if it’s needed otherwise.

Still, I’d start to let go of the thought that it is your job to entertain others or keep them happy. Allow silences to happen in conversations, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. The more you do it, the more you get used to it. When you notice that you are getting sucked into another person’s life, made a conscious effort to let go and center yourself. Your life happens in your body, and that is where you should live. Not focusing on other people and tending to their emotional needs. You can listen and be compassionate without spending your energy on other people. You’re not their battery. They have their own.