Dear Nostr,

Lately, I feel like a giver rather than a receiver. I just keep giving and giving, while others keep taking without a second thought. I never ask for anything in return, but it feels like people take it so much for granted that they don’t even consider that I might want the same in return. I also want to be treated the way I treat others.

I genuinely love caring, giving, helping, encouraging, and listening to others—I’ve been that way for as long as I can remember. But recently, it’s like everyone is just indifferent, automatically expecting what I used to give without even a word.

I especially noticed it on my birthday this year—empty, bland congratulations. When I celebrate others, I go out of my way to make their day special, constantly reminding them that it’s a big deal, that it’s their day. But what did I get? Nothing that made me feel special or appreciated. Just empty words and an ordinary day. Of course, how could anyone know what my expectations were if I never said them out loud? But why didn’t anyone bother to ask? It’s not about material things—it’s about that special feeling that I really miss. It just feels like no one truly values me.

It made me realize that those closest to me don’t even consider that I might want something nice too, to feel valued and special in their lives. Everyone just expects and waits because they feel entitled to it. And then I understood—it’s my own fault. I need to focus on myself more. Others will either accept it or we’ll go our separate ways.

How do you set boundaries? Do you also feel unappreciated sometimes?