Helping people and lending an ear to close ones gives me value

I mean it is embarrassing to admit but it is the truth...
I feel like my value is restored when I feel like I am being of help to others, or listening to someone in need to talk... this behavior aligns with my values so much it almost feels freeing, like I'm in harmony with the universe, like I'm fulfilling my purpose in life.
Is it the gratitude that touches me? I doubt so, for I still feel the same if I see that I'm helpful but that person is ungrateful. (Perhaps not as much but it makes me happy still.)

Sometimes I think it is bad to feel this way, but perhaps it is just the way I am.

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OlderSometimesWiser · F

Not quite sure why it would be embarrassing to admit that you feel valued when you’re of service to others when it’s a cornerstone of the career you’ve chosen, being a doctor. How could it possibly be bad to feel that way? 🤔

Friendlyperson · 26-30, F

@OlderSometimesWiser
I mean, I believe that I should be keeping helping others without seeking that feeling of fulfillment. Like, I should expect no return, not even that.
I mean, now that I'm writing it, it sounds too perfect to be true lol. Perhaps I'm idealistic and at the same time so harsh on myself that I'm condemning myself for this feeling ^^

Gibbon · 70-79, M

@Friendlyperson But it's coming from within you. It's not like you're expecting it from others and not getting it. That's a good human quality and you have every right to feel good about yourself and no reason to feel down or guilty.

OlderSometimesWiser · F

@Friendlyperson All human relationships are an exchange of one thing or another. Fulfillment from being of service to others strikes me as a pretty good win-win kind of exchange. 🙂