Self-sacrifice, short of death itself, is likely to lead to burnout—and it’s unlikely to move anyone in the direction you intend.

You must know your capacity. How much can you endure without losing yourself? Don’t give too much of yourself. Have boundaries.

All types of relationships require boundaries. Self-sacrifice is admirable, but it’s not sustainable at an unlimited level. The only exception is laying down your life for someone. That may seem contradictory, but it isn’t, because of its finality.

Making too many sacrifices while alive isn’t sustainable, because of the amount of suffering it will cause you. There is no suffering in death, because death is, by definition, the end of suffering.

Never give more of yourself than the other person is willing to give. Insist they meet you halfway, or close to it. Don’t make excuses for them.

And don’t assume they’re the only option, or even the best one. Someone who won’t meet you halfway is, by definition, not the best option.

And if you meet them halfway, and they still choose to leave? You haven’t lost anything.