selfishness vs. selflessness

selfishness.
it blinds people.... it really does. i think it blinds everyone.

the world is bigger than you and life is bigger than you.... i wonder if some people just never figure out that what they call their "world"....their "journey".... their "walk" is really everyone's reality....... and everything they do effects everyone else (especially people that you have relationships with).....sometimes i think that selfishness masks everything else around them.....and they cant think beyond their own spiritualness and emotions

being blind to how you make people feel or the ways you influence/change their "world/journey/walk" only hinders your own spiritual growth

selflessness.
i think it is the key.....to everything.

is it possible to not care enough about yourself?? i have problems with caring too much for others... i think, if thats even considered a problem.... when is it ok to think about yourself??? one can only be used, abused, heartbroken, disappointed so many times...... when is it ok to stand up for yourself, to be upset, or to express those feelings ??

i feel guilty for doing that, because i feel like i should be more "selfless" and not worry about what i am getting in return.... but where is the balance? is there suppose to be a balance? when is it ok to want or hope for something in return? Or at least some kind of reciprocation ?

is it ever ok..... or is it selfishness that blinds me to think that i deserve something from others?