Some people try their best to meet other people’s expectations. They ask little for themselves and spend most of their time doing for others. Inevitably, occasions occur when they need something from someone else.
Often, they find that they have succeeded so well in presenting an idealized image of self-sufficiency that their friends do not take their temporary neediness seriously.
These chronic do-gooders are astonished and offended that when they finally ask for something, they aren’t always seen as automatically entitled to receive it. While living out a contract that by being a good boy (or girl) they will be paid off whenever they request their reward, they have not noticed that no one else has signed the agreement.
Our sacrifices may be worthwhile, but they do not obligate anyone else to do the same for us.