When being "too nice" becomes self-neglect

When being "too nice" becomes self-neglect (Photo: iStock)

Being a goody two-shoes can lead to so much emotional exhaustion, especially if you are the kind of person who fills up everyone else's cups while leaving yours bone dry. This perplexing behaviour can show up in so many ways. Take, for instance, someone who saves up for months so as to buy their spouse a luxury birthday gift or spends hours helping a friend to complete a project, yet they can not replace their worn-out shoes or go to the hospital for a nagging pain.

This self-neglect that is usually disguised as generosity or kindness is actually a psychological defence mechanism rooted in the belief that their own personal needs are a burden to others or that their value is solely defined by what they can do or provide for those around them.