Stepping Stones
I like to think pushovers are angrier at themselves, for not having the self-confidence or bravery to stand up for what they want and refuse others when they have to, than they are at the actual people who cause them to compromise their interests without much opposition.
Of course, if you excessively put your interests above those of others, you’re selfish, arrogant, and uncooperative. But I have more friends who are constantly subjecting themselves to the whims and will of others to the point that they become extremely passive-aggressive (or at least, it becomes more obvious) and bitter.
Just keep in mind that unless people are literally forcing you to do something, it might actually be more beneficial if you try to get them to solve their problems on their own. Have the courage to tell people (courteously) that you’re really busy with your own problems, or you’d prefer not to take sides, or it’s none of your business. Despite being in a pretty un-empathetic mood, I’m not trying to say that pity and sympathy are bad; and if you feel some kind of moral obligation, as a friend, to sacrifice your time or energy or goals to help other people with their constant dilemmas, go for it. But at the end of the day, it’s entirely your decision, so own up and don’t complain more than you should.
I guess I’m somewhere in between.