The Balance Between Giving and Asking

Sometimes being likable can lead to bending backwards, you know, to help other people. How can i set the appropriate boundaries without becoming unlikable? I really like the idea of helping others. And so what i want to do is talk about the balance between giving and asking. It isn't a quid proquo, and it isn't a a, youo an emotional bank account where you're keeping tabs. It's the idea of giving when you can because you want to, without expectation,. But understanding when it is is more than you can do.