Being the eldest daughter often means becoming the caregiver long before you're ready—especially in families marked by trauma or instability. This early role can teach you to suppress your own needs, over-function, and tie your worth to how much you do for others. In adulthood, this can look like burnout, perfectionism, or never feeling like it’s safe to rest—because if you don’t do it, who will?

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s one of the kindest, most empowering things you can do for both yourself and the people around you. When you stop saying yes out of guilt or fear, you start making space for healthier relationships, deeper respect, and real growth—for everyone involved.