Hi, how\u2019s it going? Hope you are doing well.<\/p>\n
One of my close friends isn\u2019t today. I just talked to him, and he was mad. He had tried all day to do nice things for others. First he made coffee for someone at work who was complaining that there was no coffee. They then proceeded to complain that the coffee was too weak.<\/p>\n
He had spent days cooking for his sister, who didn\u2019t even live with him. He had done it out of the kindness of his heart, and for no other reason. But today he had to work instead of cooking for her. She didn\u2019t want to understand this. Instead, she made his day even more stressful by complaining very rudely to him that he wasn\u2019t doing his job.<\/p>\n
He copied some important documents for a co-worker because they were too busy to do it, and didn\u2019t even get a thanks.<\/p>\n
He called me to say that he gave up. He didn\u2019t want to help anyone anymore. Everyone was too ungrateful. Have you ever had one of those days? Have you ever, say, helped your loved one in so many ways that they don\u2019t even know what all of them are \u2013 only to have them ignore you or complain to you? And goodness forbid you expect a thank- you.<\/p>\n
It can be very frustrating at times. My friend wanted to believe in karma and hope that it would come back to them. Well, maybe it would. But I\u2019m not sure that\u2019s the best thing to hope for. When it comes down to it, we love the person; we just don\u2019t love their actions.<\/p>\n
Instead of giving up on helping others, we need to address the problem and try to find a solution. I\u2019m not saying this will be easy; in fact, it can be a little tricky. But it will be worth it in the long run.<\/p>\n
Start by using \u201cI\u201d statements. Tell them that you feel unappreciated and that you would be more comfortable continuing to help them if they voiced their thanks. Note the word \u2018voiced.\u2019 Don\u2019t imply that they are not thankful at all; that might not be true and could offend them. Just state that you have not heard evidence of it, and would appreciate it if you did in the future.<\/p>\n
Then remember: you are the supporter for a reason. They are dealing with some problems that make it so they don\u2019t always think clearly. Even people who don\u2019t have bipolar disorder have their days when they don\u2019t want to bother to be grateful. It must be that much harder for someone who is constantly distracted by their struggle with mood swings.<\/p>\n
Try to remember that you can be the better person. You can continue to help them, no matter how they act. At some point they will realize that you\u2019ve helped them this whole time when you didn\u2019t have to. At some point they will say thank-you in a way that you will recognize.<\/p>\n
Until then, don\u2019t give up on the ones you love. Try to remember you love them for a reason. Deep breath. Chin up. Set your mind to have a good day.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi, how\u2019s it going? Hope you are doing well.<\/p>\n
One of my close friends isn\u2019t today. I just talked to him, and he was mad. He had tried all day to do nice things for others. First he made coffee for someone at work who was complaining that there was no coffee. They then proceeded to complain that the coffee was too weak.<\/p>\n
He had spent days cooking for his sister,<\/p>\n