Wonderful article. I related painfully closely to the feelings you expressed. Feeling responsible for others’ happiness and satisfaction is something that I continue to explore in my life.

Thank you for asking your son to pick up his toys, and for letting him face his little reality; he is one less brat in the world; thank you for putting your needs first, and for daring displeasing others. You are an inspiration.

This doesn’t mean we don’t care, quite on the contrary; in order prudent and effectively, we have to start at home. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is Jesus’ admonition, not “love everyone and give yourself to depletion because that’s what you’re here to do”… What property of society is responsible for women having been taught that? I have an idea.