Some families have one person everybody calls. A ride falls through. A bill is late. Someone needs advice. The phone rings, and that person answers.
Being trusted can feel meaningful. But when every problem finds its way to you, your own plans can start to disappear.
You may feel guilty saying no, even when you have nothing left to give. You may worry that if you stop, everything else will stop with you.
It can help to notice the difference between what you want to do and what people assume you will do. Not every request is yours to solve.
A limit can be simple. I cannot do that today. I can help tomorrow. I need someone else to handle this one. You do not have to explain your whole life to make that limit real.
You can care deeply without being available every minute. Your time, energy, and peace are part of the family story, too.