Don't be Someone's Audience

Hello Everyone, 
Have you ever had a relationship where the other person spent all of the time sharing their life with you, but it seems/seemed to never be your turn to share? This can be a romantic relationship, a friendship or in a relationship with a family member. This person can keep you on the phone talking about their experiences, or take all the time that you share together talking about what they want or need. This is not a relationship, this is one person using the other one as an audience. Your job is to bear witness to their life, to be someone to reflect their experience off of. This can leave you feeling drained and frustrated. If we do not have boundaries and eliminate our exposure to people who use us for their audience, then we will stay frustrated and drained. It is not rude or selfish to want what you are willing to give in a relationship. It is our job to protect our well being. Pay attention to what you expose yourself to. If you find that you are being someone's audience and you don't want to be, then try setting some boundaries. Limit the amount of time you spend with them  and in conversation with them. You don't always have to shut the door on a relationship, try limiting time spent with that person and go from there 
Take care everyone and remember you were not born to be someone's audience!