I find that I am too nice, and/or too willing to compromise on conflict against my best interest because I feel that anything bad I say or do might be the catalyst for someone to commit suicide. How do I combat this feeling?

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I almost never insult people, never do anything bad to people, etc. and while of course this is a good thing, I often can't act in my own interest because I'm worried I might cause someone harm.

As an example, I'm having trouble breaking up with my girlfriend right now because she is in love with me, and I find myself worried that breaking up with her could send her plummetting into depression and maybe suicide.

Statistically/logically I know this is unreasonable. But alas I still have this peculiar feeling. Does anyone have any good justification or outlook that might make me see more clearly?

kindness

suicide

social skills

psychology

advice

tynamite

Something tells me that the girlfriend scenario is a red herring, and that the question is actually aimed at me. I have a feint and weak feeling about this, but I wouldn't rule it out. If this was the case, then I can see why you asked me to answer this, as obviously you would want to know what I would do in your situation, if I was you, so you could effectively cut ties with someone, without leading them down a downward spiral. That makes perfect sense.

There is one thing I can pick out of your question, which is striking.

If others are working against your best interest, why would you not ever express how you feel to them, regardless of whether they would self-deprecate or not?

Until you answer that question, I cannot help you.