I don't know why I fell into a pattern of allowing myself to get used by others. Lately, someone has been asking me to buy him things, since he is going through a hard time. I go above and beyond for people, not looking for much in return, but I'm respected more for "what I can do for someone", instead of who I am as a person.

Can anyone relate? I think part of the reason this is happening, is out of loneliness, and also a desire to make people happy. I also thrive on validation. Do you think there's anything in particular that causes this? How can I work on moving forward and having better self-esteem? I took a step towards being assertive, but only a baby step. This didn't make me feel free though. I still focus on the happiness of others and connect my value to that.