I sometimes feel like I'm in that role, too. Carolyn Hax had a column this week sort of related to this, I think yesterday. I actually disagreed with both her advice and many of the commenters.

I do think that some people are more naturally planners/initiators than others... but it also takes two to tango. I am okay if I am the one who says 'hey, let's grab coffee,' the majority of the time, but if the other person never reaches out at all, I'm no longer going to do all of the work. Like, if Joe never contacts me at all, not for an invite or quick word on Facebook- I'm not going to waste time and energy on him. Whether he's busy or just not interested in hanging out or doesn't really like me that much, it doesn't matter.

I made that resolution maybe a year ago and it's worked out okay, although I'm going through a phase right now where I feel like no one is initiating with me and it's kind of bumming me out. I'm telling myself that it's just a seasonal thing. A few months ago I felt like too many people wanted to get together.

I enjoy having a wide range of acquaintances to call upon so I will continue to initiate coffee dates (or whatever) with people I rarely hear from, on a once every year or two kind of basis.

It's definitely hard to balance 'giving the benefit of the doubt' vs 'not being taken advantage of.' I would like more clarity around that without so much thinking on my part.