Yes, I identify with that as well. It is somehow helpful to hear someone else voicing the same discontent and feeling of being fed up with people taking, taking, taking from and not giving back to or appreciating those of us who are supportive and caring.

I recently helped a friend by doing hours of work for her, then handed the project over for her to do the last bit. The 'thank you'? Asking if I could do even more, when she had clearly done nothing on her own project!

Sometimes I feel on the verge of giving up on helping, and certainly I give much less than in the past.

It hurts to give so much more than you receive, to give loaves of bread and receive crumbs in return.