Can We Have Our Cake and Eat It Too?

Lately I have been thinking a lot about life and how the decisions that we make ultimately affect more than just us. I know that it is not everyone's goal, but I really want everyone to like me as a person. In order to do this I feel like I am always trying to entertain, love, care for, please other people. This is all fine, but what do I lose in the process?

I make a lot of effort for my friends and family and sometimes I feel like I'm coming out on the losing side of this deal. So why can't I just love people unconditionally and not expect anything back from them? Why can't I just have the notion in my head that I would do anything for my friends, and not expect anything in return?

I think the answer is that for every choice that we make, there is a negative side to things. I feel like I am giving things up to make some of those choices. When I have a fight with one of my friends or family members, I would like to think that I do everything to compromise, but do I?

How can we avoid feeling hurt, or hurting other peoples' feelings? In a fight, there will always be a loser right? I would like to think that I have the ability to compromise and take other peoples' feelings into account, but when I do that am I giving up on my own ideals?

So how can we have our cake and eat it too? Should I compromise my feelings to make others happy? Should I find friends that will treat me the same way that I treat them? Should I not expect much from people so I will never be let down?

I guess the answer is being the best person that you can be, and trying not to worry what other people think about you. Being true to who you are and letting people know when you are hurt.