In order to have a balance in life, we must set boundaries. If not you will find yourself being pulled in every direction possible. You may even blame others but in fairness we are all responsible for our own actions.
If I have had a long day, I'm ready for bed. I have responsibilities like everyone else. My home life has to balance out with my job as well as personal relationships. I just had an invite to the pool but I was feeling under the weather and a little overwhelmed with things going on. I declined.
Although I appreciated the invite and may go next time, I set my boundary. I was pretty wiped out with a big day to follow and feeling tired. Unfortunately there was some back lash with my answer of no thank you. I ignored it.
It may be a silly example but it made me think about all the times I engaged with others just to make everyone else happy when I really needed to do something else or maybe even wanted to. I used to think back then if I made everyone else happy, I would be liked more, keep peace and that may be a happy balance.
Not true. A happy balance is when you engage with caring about yourself first. Having boundaries also lets others know you have a life too and you deserve respect just as others want the same. It doesn't mean you are selfish or that you don't love someone else. It just means "not now" or you really are not able to.
We often feel as if we are bound to everyone else's needs, wants and happiness. We create our own lives, no one does it for you. Having boundaries is healthy. Every relationship requires them.
If you do not set some kind of tone to what you want and are willing to budge on, people generally take advantage thinking you are available whenever they want or need you. (Maybe not even intentionally). Be kind to others and enjoy yourself but also be respectful of what it is that you are happily willing to allow.