“I am not afraid to admit that my nature is so tender, so childish, that I cannot well refuse my dog the play he offers me or asks of me outside the proper time.” Same. It can be a problem at times. My dog feels like my emotional second half and he manipulates me so well that I have trouble avoiding rewards of food for his clever tactics. Bogey could use an exercise regimen as vigorous as mine.
I feel certain that I copied the personality of my grandfather in many ways and try to be as hospitable as I can, especially to those I like best. Am I then excessively solicitous at times, perhaps making it too easy on my dog, children and friends? It could be, but making others feel appreciated and taken care of is an essential part of my joy. I perform acts of kindness far less to please them than to please myself.
The greatest danger I assume from this stance is the deep wounds I suffer from its opposite. I take the infliction of intentional harm badly. I can be manipulated, but feel aggrieved when this trait is exploited. My greatest nightmare is to be stuck in a shifting cycle of kindness and cruelty, one that my nature would not allow me to escape, but that would leave me feeling defeated.