If you are a natural giver and caretaker (empathic person) how do you balance "being yourself" and not allowing people to take advantage of you?

After I learn from my mistakes, I don't expect much from people anymore, I just don't expect less or more of what either. I just accept things as it is with the flow.

No way to. After too much I go full dark and completely shut down from it all.

I am. its tricky. Sometimes i manage...others i dont.

I never let people take advantage of me, but also am one who needs to be needed

Boundaries. Know where your lines are and don't let others cross them.

i am. i avoid the people that don’t appreciate me.

That's a really hard balancing act, you have to set boundaries even when it makes you feel bad or guilty for doing so because if you don't people will take advantage of your empathy. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me I was too nice I'd be rich right now and sometimes I've been too nice to the wrong people :(

empathetic when it comes to animals