Replies to 'Difficulty Forming Friendships'

  What I want to know is:  I have heard this saying, that what ever you give out, you will get back 10 fold.  Iam still waiting.  Is there a time line on this?

I'm the type of person that likes to help if I can.  I have had to watch out and not become a door mat for people.  I am even a volunteer fireman/EMT.   But when it comes to people I consider my "friends"  I just can't do anything right.  I am very good at remembering birthdays and special events and I always try to tell my frieinds good luck, have a great time, or good for you.  When it comes to my turn to have a birthday or do something fun, I am all alone.  I go everywhere by myself.  No one calls to have lunch with me, no one stops by my office to see me.  Now, I understand people are busy, I am busy as well.  I also understand, that maybe I am just too much, so I have backed off.  It still doesn't matter.  I am even having trouble with my own Mother.  She is 80 years old and recently had to have a pace maker put in.   So I don't mind being there for her,  But she is so self centered, that all she wants from me is to take care of her when she is in town to go to the doctor.  She doesn't care about how busy I am at work.  She doesn't care that I may have other plans for my day.  She wants my attention, and right now.  Then when she is done, she goes home, no thank you or anything.  I am left feeling drained.

So, how do you get something back when you do nice things for others?  I don't do things, expecting any return, but I get nothing ever and it's noticable.