I have the right to take care of myself.
This is not an act of selfishness.
It will give me the ability to take better care of my loved one.

I have the right to seek help from others even though my loved one may object.
I know the limits of my own endurance and strength.

I have the right to maintain parts of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he were healthy.
I know that I do everything that I reasonably can do for this person. I have the right to do some things just for myself.

I have the right to get angry, be depressed, and express difficult feelings once in a while.

I have the right to reject any attempt by my loved one to make me do things out of guilt or anger.
(It doesn't matter is he/she knows that he/she is doing it or not.)

I have the right to get consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do for my loved one, as I offer these in return.

I have the right to take pride in what I'm doing.
And I have the right to applaud the courage it has taken to meet the needs of my loved one.

I have the right to protect my individuality.
I also have the right to a life that will sustain me in times when my loved one no longer needs my full-time help.