Discussion » Questions » Relationships » If helping others is "compassionate" then is making them dependent on our "compassion" self-serving?
officegirl

If helping others is "compassionate" then is making them dependent on our "compassion" self-serving?

Posted - November 15, 2018
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Responses


  • 10052
    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. 
      November 15, 2018 6:26 AM MST
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  • 7939
    YES! I actually just took a psychology class and they shared this video in it. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw this question. :)
      November 15, 2018 7:58 PM MST
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  • 10052
      November 17, 2018 9:28 AM MST
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  • That's why teaching something to fish is better than simply handing them fish. 
      November 15, 2018 9:58 AM MST
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  • 22891
    nnaybe
      November 15, 2018 2:44 PM MST
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  • 7939
    "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. 
      November 15, 2018 8:05 PM MST
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  • 10052
    Having compassion and giving support are sometimes confused with enabling. I'll admit it can be a fine line. 
      November 17, 2018 9:27 AM MST
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  • Yes, and Nevan actually hit the nail on this one.
      November 15, 2018 8:16 PM MST
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