> how do you maintain your energy or sense of self when you are consistently trying to meet other people's needs? Some people thrive off interactions like this

> how do you maintain your energy or sense of self when you are consistently trying to meet other people's needs? Some people thrive off interactions like this, I think. If that's not you (and I count myself in that category also) then I think the "best" compromise might be to turn it on only when and where it matters (even though that sounds awful and self-serving). That probably means with valued friends and close family, and people you're trying to impress for some reason (personal or professional).