Beautiful, Rasa. And I can relate to all of it. I spent a lot of last year helping a friend because she had had an awful time during 2020, losing her partner to suicide, suffering from panic attacks, and had somehow ended up with nowhere to live. That was completely of her own making but I wanted to offer her a place to stay while she needed it. Unfortunately, she kept asking and never giving back. My dad let her stay in his empty flat while it was being sold, because he, too, felt sorry for her. but, when she left and he asked for a contribution towards the bills (he had specified that beforehand), she wanted him to work it all out so that she didn't pay more than her usage. It was virtually impossible and she never offered anything.

Last week she messaged again asking if she could stay at the weekend. I have never wanted to say no to her but this time I finally decided that my personal space was worth it. Nothing has ever been hostile between us - I have always treated her as a friend and with kindness - but I didn't even receive a message back after that. Personally, however, I felt really triumphant that I had valued myself enough to say no. It is all about remembering our own self-worth.