Interesting post. Once you learn to cut out your ego, your emotions will appear stronger than ever. Have u ever read "Power of Now" by Eckart Tolle? - changed my life. As for friendship - in my view - is 50 - 50, no matter what that 50 may be for each person. Mutual satisfaction. If not, it is a problem that speaks greatly on the value of the relationship (including the lack of communication - if so is the case).
I don't think it's about giving or taking - but about sharing and complementing each other - after all the relationship is voluntary. I might be a bit guarded, but so far in life i have learnt that, because of my overly empathetic tendencies, I need to choose wisely who I decide to be friends with - and that is after having lost some time with the users. It's not easy 'cause i'm sociable by nature, but it basically comes down to knowing your value.
Great topic Stella, beer on. Got me thinking about this poem a friend shared with me 3 months ago, tell me your thoughts about it: