I can relate to this! My best friend right now has broken a part of her leg to which I was ever so willing to dedicate all my time to watch over with my two eyes. I'd become the therapist, the grocery boy, the treatment, my motivations - churning beyond butter. I could have gotten my degree in a matter of exemplary acute time.
However, I was the piece of paper cut out, tossed aside. It reminds me of the movie, The Young Victoria. The person she marries Albert had an idealists wet dream, self-sacrifice. He didn't die but had the perfect moment to express his love. Even though it is superficial to analyze this, the point to me was that taking care of her gets to be put in everyone elses hands. And now it sounds like i'm trying to cheer myself up while she is in misfortune.
Well I remember in high school how I once tried getting connected to others and their families. Like I was trying to plant a seed, that's the symbol I use. This seed that keeps rooting deeper in.
Back to the story, she told me the other day, "I seem to be the only one leading out friendship right now." I'm aware i'm hitting the down fall of an INFP.
While others may send an energy warrant of help, but then statefully fuck you ever so pleasantly; one of the traits an NF may find difficult to learn is the power in making yourself a pillar of energy is the best support. But also add that NF (as I may stereotype) is the triad that gets drugged off helping other people, I instead of calling this 'standing back' apathy, I instead look at it in a more subtle way of sharing energy.
Hopefully that motivates you. What I mean is that the energy you bring as a pillar will be the point of transcendence. Like there is so much bullshit in the risk of admitting one is helpless. The one that gives sympathy, etc... Perhaps its being the one that brings stability.
And P.S. If you don't take care of yourself, expect your energy to stench behind in a negative aura.
You are right that its a misunderstanding of other people though.
Maybe it's a compliment to us, because most people give in expectation for return, give with a tax or loan, or at any cost of your soul.
We have the returned gift of satisfaction for helping.
I can also relate to what tkdprincessxoxo said: It was once my value to not talk to people through text. I told people that i'm not a counselor that sits down with you, and that my environment to speak is personal and in person; then nobody listens any more.
Taylor, you are trying to expand yourself too fast.
/silence