I enjoyed the article for the perspective given. As I was reading, I was actively thinking in the context of skills.
For example, the good person has the skills needed to care for oneself and to help others. It is hard to say from the example whether or not the good person is entirely aware that someone is taking advantage of her. But if she has good boundaries, she may not be concerned with motivation on the part of others.
As to those who would take advantage of her, I don't see them in terms of good and bad. I just see them in terms of skills. A person willing to take advantage of another may not have the skills to get their needs met without deception or manipulation.
The good person in this example can then demonstrate that skill as a good samaritan, and can do so without excessive expense on her part with good boundaries. At least, thaat is my hope.
@digitalfirehose, good point and well taken.
Skills and giving/helping definitely can walk hand in hand. When I have some skill set that is of help and service to others, I'm typically quite free with sharing.
The situations I am more specifically examining here is when "Bob" helps "Joe" by mowing his lawn... and then Joe ends up feeling entitled to free moving from Bob while he sits around and drinks beer, purely because "that's less hassle than moving the grass myself." From my vantage point, the only "skill" involved there lies in manipulating Bob (who's kind natured) into mowing the lawn, possibly with a fake sob story for why he needs help.
Appreciate the thoughtful comment!