At least you see it, and know people take advantage of you. My poor bro-inlaw is oblivious. He's the same kind of guy as you. He helps EVERYONE, and boy does he get taken advantage of, even by his family.

His Dad is dead now but he was one of the worst. "Sam", my bro, was always and forever running and doing for him. Sam was supposed to get an inheritance from his grandparents that would have set him up for life. Somehow through legal shenanigans his Dad got it, and "Sam" never saw a dime. "Sam" thinks the sun rose and set on his Dad. I would've pi**ed on his grave. The worst thing is the 2nd wife, his step mom got all the money...so sad.

Geez, I am so so there. I bend over backwards for people because I care and then when the times I need a little help from a friend no one is to be found. What is up with that? So, now I don't tend to help out as much. Perhaps you should do the same and just say politely "I love to help you but I have too many things going on right now." After a while people will get the hint.

I think that your friends see you as someone strong, self sufficient, dependable. They ignore or simply can't grasp the fact that you might need them. Rather than withdrawing and feeling so bad, try to verbalize how you feel to your friends--at least give them the opportunity to change and to treat you better. I would love to have a friend like you. Perhaps, those around you will become more appreciative if you give them the opportunity.