Self-interest in relationships leads to trouble

A rule of thumb when it comes to relationships: The most successful ones are about give AND take. Once the relationship becomes too one-sided, where one person finds himself doing all the giving and the other taking advantage of the generosity, that's when you know the relationship is on thin ice.

To be fair, we may not always be quick to realize we're taking advantage of someone else. Once we do, it's imperative we reverse course and do more to let the other person know we're not in the relationship only for self-gain. If it's the other way around, and you feel you're the one being stepped all over, you have a decision to make: You either confront the person, wait for the individual to make amends on his own, or pull the plug on the relationship for good.

A relationship devoid of mutual respect and consideration is one surely heading down the wrong path. A person should never feels as though he or she is simply a means to an end.

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