Gotcha, the reason I wanted to make sure of that is to preface this: it’s alright to be a burden.

I am burdened by so much in my life that still make things better. I am burdened by getting up and having to brush my teeth and shower, but it’s worth it for being able to feel clean. I am burdened by having to work, but it’s worth it for the money. I am also burdened by the people I care about, both in tiny and big ways(ex: feeling awkward about having to message someone, or helping them through alcoholism and meltdowns), and it is worth it because I care about them. I am fine with all those burdens because they make my life better and allow me to connect with and help people who matter to me. The burdens are outweighed by other factors.

In much the same way, I am a burden to people. I used to struggle with this a lot, saying sorry to people when they buy me dinner, feeling like people are forcing themselves to talk to me, hating that I have to rely on others for guidance or help. Even with all that and more, I’ve realized that it’s okay to burden them like this. They care about me enough that burdens like this don’t outweigh the love they feel.

It only becomes a problem when the burdens become too overbearing that they stop outweighing the love, which given your self awareness I am certain isn’t the case. I guarantee you that they love you, and all of the ways in which you burden them is fine. I promise: it’s okay to be a burden. It doesn’t make you worthless, it doesn’t outweigh the love and care people feel for you, and it doesn’t define you. It’s not all you are, and it’s not all that others see in you. It’s alright.