Well said, also applies to many human dynamics - friendships, relationships, work relationships, etc. Ceding power is a ratchet and you either put your foot down to start with or it grinds away.
Healthy relationships include negotiating when potential boundaries are in question, or if things change that require re-aligning boundaries.
It's reasonable to give more to the other party from time-to-time, and reasonable to discuss with the other party if it becomes a point where it feels unfair.
Instead we (Americans) take an unnecessarily adversarial stance against what our government could do, ensuring it is perpetually unprepared.
In reality, the vast majority of relationships aren’t actually healthy in this way. Most people get that only from their parent and family, if that. So parent’s advice is important.
I love to give more. That’s what life’s about. But it should be done freely and without expectation. What I’m talking about is taking - do this or I’ll be annoyed. It’s overt vs covert contracts. I ask you to do X because it would be helpful/make me happy. Versus I ask you to do X because it’s helpful and also I want to feel in control of you, and maybe you’ll be more willing to do Y later.
I don’t agree with the last comment, maybe I am a cynic.
