“Oh honey, I can’t find a quiet corner”, said the friend who rang every weekend to provide a two hour update on her latest issues.

Be there for others when they need you but don’t be surprised if they aren’t there for you is the lesson I learnt.

The friend didn’t call back. When she’d call to discuss her issues, it felt draining like yet another chore on the weekend but also like my obligation as her friend. Ultimately, it taught me how to set boundaries and protect my time.

I’m not sure if this qualifies as a sacrifice as it didn’t feel like such at the time. It’s natural to make sacrifices for the ones you love. It’s only when you reach a tipping point do you even take stock of the sacrifices and realise the other would never do the same in return.

In my current life, it could be my cats. I was brushing my hair this morning when I realised I had brushed the fur of both cats first. They get breakfast first thing in the morning before I make my bed or go to the bathroom. I wouldn’t describe it as a sacrifice though. I do it out of love.