It's the "Friends" episode where Phoebe is determined to do something completely selfless! We are all deserving of compassion. Being able to give and receive compassion is key to genuine happiness.
"Making them dependent" is self-serving, but that doesn't make all compassionate acts self-serving. That is the concept of co-dependence in a nutshell.
When someone cannot do something for himself, it's ok and good to help. The issue comes in when you stunt that person's growth by doing things they can do on their own or you give to your own detriment.
SavvyAnsley 