When is it okay to say no?...

In Mexico there is a saying that says, "te doy la mano y tu agarras la pata." Which translates to "I give you a hand, and you grab a foot." 

Similar to "I give you an inch and you take a foot." 

Since I can recall, I have been helping my dear mother with anything that she asks of me. Like any good daughter would. Right?!?! 

I do it mostly out of love. Partially because it would be ethically wrong to give my own mother my back. But mostly love. Now let me be clear here. I am very thankful for all she has done for me. I will more than likely continue to do these duties.  But for now, in this moment I will go ahead and pour these thoughts out. 

There are times when I just can't help it. But I get very frustrated to have earned this job. When did I apply for this job? 

-Personal assistant

-Duties can range from making calls to set up doctor appointments. Driving her to said doctor appointments. Driving her to the grocery store. Assisting with any paperwork that needs to be filled out. And so on...

Pay-$0

My mom is quiet. She is observant and reserved. She dislikes any drama, or confrontations. We are basically opposites. I speak up when I have to. Some people would probably say I am not quiet.  I enjoy watching drama tv shows. (No personal drama for me please) or it probably will be shared on here...

My question is... Is it really being quiet or shy? Or is this some form of laziness.? Does she simply rely on me to do these things for her because she knows I will do them.?? 

Or is it my personality and attitude, that make her feel comfortable for me to speak up for her and help her with these tasks at hand?

At what point do we stop our co-workers, friends, family members from taking the foot?

When is it okay to say no? Without being left standing like a jerk. 

No, I am not saying we should all be so giving that we forget to stand up for ourselves. But this conflicting matter of being a good person and giving a helping hand vs standing up for yourself and saying enough. Is a question that needs some light. Is there such a thing as a middle ground? 

Should kindness be measured???

Of course my situation is very different from any of the above mentioned. I won't compare my mother to just any other person. Therefore, I will continue with my unpaid internship.- (I'd like to at least think I am gaining knowledge and experience from this).

If you all have any positive wise words. Feel free to share your thoughts and add to this topic in the comments. 

Thank you for stopping by and reading my thoughts. 

Xoxo -Carla