You can have plenty of compassion in your heart without allowing yourself to be taken advantage of or being manipulated into feeling responsible for someone else's mistakes. I have been through some tough financial times but that doesnt mean I have to bankroll anyone else . I try help my kids when they need it because I see that they are trying hard and sometimes need a little wiggle room. My 18 year old daughter lives in a sober house and works part time until her store opens full time. She has asked us for gas money or groceries here and there and we do choose to help her sometimes because we know she is still sober and trying hard.