Hi everyone! I need your help!

So a friend at work was telling me the truth about what people think of me. She said everyone thinks I'm really sensitive (which I am) and that I care a lot about others (which I do). But, I guess the fact that I care about the people around me is a bad thing because the group of girls she's talking about say I just need to stop.

Stop caring about others? Sense when did caring about fellow human beings become such a bad thing? Is it because they aren't used to it? Now... this is what I do... so that you don't think I care too much: When someone is sick or tired I let them rest in the fitting room while I work (I work at a clothing store); if someone is having a really bad day I'm there to ask them whats wrong and listen to their problem; I do feel protective of anyone around me who is hurting, so If I have to protect them in some way then I feel like I should.

An example of this is when a fellow co-worker was going through a really hard time. I was helping her up to the employees lounge because she asked me to... and she started crying. She fell against me while we were on the escalator and I held her until we got to the employees lounge. We walk in, and another employee says, "What the fuck is wrong with you? You're always walking around all sad and shit, what the fuck's your problem?". SO.... the obscenities and her attitude just made me react. I said, "Just leave her alone". And then this girl goes off and says that I don't NEED to speak for her, she can speak for herself. Now... was I wrong to feel protective of the employee who just finished crying in my arms? I don't think I was. If I was her... I would want someone to be there for me. I don't expect it, but I would appreciate it.

So... apparently I "take the extra mile" with my caring. But I don't consider any of this as taking the extra mile. It's SO natural for me to care about those around me. I can't just sit there and watch someone cry... I can't... I have to comfort them. Is that so wrong? I just don't understand. When they say they are okay I don't keep pushing myself on them... I then leave them alone.

I want to take her advice, but I don't feel like I should. It feels wrong, and against my nature. She says that by acting this way it'll be easy for people to take advantage of me. But, I don't feel taken advantage of. I don't help them because I expect something in return... I do it because I want to help.

What do you guys think?