Why I Care

Original

     I care about how I look. I care about how I feel. I care about what I do. The most important thing I care about is other people. This is not only a blessing but also a complete downfall of mine. From a young age I would treat everything and everyone with kindness. My innate thoughtful personality was furthered by my grandmother. Growing up, my young mother had to work two jobs in order to make ends meet. Since she was working a majority of the time, most of my childhood was spent with my grandmother. It is common to take on various personality traits from prominent caretakers which is why I continue to put others first. My grandmother would make surprise presents, baked goods, and help out others without ever expecting something in return. She would go through hell and back if it meant that she was able to care for someone in any way needed. Naturally, I began to take on similar selfless actions. One of my favorite things to do is surprise friends with their favorite candies for no reason. Unfortunately, it is looked down on to be too considerate. Although I have been told countless times that I’m going to be taken advantage of, I still always offer to help. A 6 year friendship of mine was recently ended because of the friend humiliating my in front of a group of people as well as completely cutting me off. Although the ending of the friendship hurt me more than anything, I would not hesitate to help her if she ever asked for anything. Most think I am out of my mind for saying so but it’s just how I am. 

Revised

Revisions Done: Expanded on length while also picking apart how I feel about this personality trait of mine.

     Caring is second nature to me. Besides my own well-being, the most important thing I care about is other people. This is not only a valuable characteristic but also disadvantageous for myself. From a young age I would treat everything and everyone with kindness and I was always willing to help. My innate thoughtful personality was brought up and fostered by my grandmother. Growing up, my young mother had to work countless hours in order to make ends meet. Since she was working countless hours, most of my childhood was spent with my grandmother. It did not take long for me to take on various personality traits from my leading caretaker which is why I continue to perform similar selfless actions. My grandmother would buy or make surprise presents, bake goods, and help others without ever expecting anything in return. She would do whatever possible if it meant that she was able to care for someone. In her eyes, she thought it was only proper to cater to others first before taking care of herself. In the same, when asked for help, I as well will go through great lengths to make sure I can take care of someone. Even with acquaintances, I will still assist them in some ways. However, I prefer to showcase my care by surprising others with “just because” presents. For example, when I know a friend is upset, sick, or going through something difficult, I bring them their favorite candy. Also, I adore catching up with family friends and personal friends who I have not heard from or seen in some time to see how they are doing. While their genuine joyfulness brings me happiness, I still feel as if it is nothing to be praised for. Like my grandmother, it seems only essential to care for others in any way.

     Unfortunately, it is looked down on to be too considerate. Though I have been told countless times that I’m going to be taken advantage of, I still always offer to help. Recently, a 6 year friendship of mine came to an abrupt, harsh end. Although everything ended with humiliation and silence that hurt me more than anything, there would be no hesitation if she ever asked me for anything. Furthermore, I would not expect her to do something for me to make it “equal”. Most think I am out of my mind for saying so but it’s just how I am. Not expecting anything in return has made me almost clueless to when I am being used by someone. As I have grown, I have personally realized how awful it is to be unaware when someone is clearly taking advantage of my caring nature. The mistreatment is apparent when someone only talks to me when in need or if they go into hiding when I ask for assistance. Additionally, it has come to my attention that I tend to forget about my well-being when helping others. There have been instances where, regrettably, I have put my safety at risk just to do a favor for someone. I have forgotten that putting yourself first is not egotistic but rather essential to avoid getting hurt. Currently, I am in limbo between discovering what situations and what people I should be selfless with. While I never want to lose my helpful personality, I have come to the understanding that I need to be selective with my aid in order to protect myself and to be considerate of my own good.