Tony,

Consider that compassion gives us a warm spaciousness that allows their packaging to unwrap, stop being “about us” and about our “$1”. From Inky’s example, it is like sitting and hearing their thirst, for attention, for a coke, for caretaking… without it pulling on your side, demanding action from you. Maybe give them a coke, despite their unskillful asking, or perhaps some water, perhaps a hug, perhaps walk away. What feels right?

Be steadfast, because skillful giving is different than enabling, such as giving what feels right, versus giving what is asked for. A child may insist a loving parent gives them cookies for lunch, but that doesn’t make it true! When we allow their hunger and desire for cookies to remain on their side, we can smile, give them an appropriate lunch, and not feel drained. Giving the cookie, or accepting no cookie=no love, is usually what leaves us feeling like we’ve sacrificed.

If you’d like something more specific, feel free to be more specific yourself. 🙂 Good luck!

With warmth,
Matt