This can be easily solved by talking to her about your concerns, clearing the air about expectations and obligations, etc.

Having a partner who you feel pushes you to try things you wouldn't otherwise try does not necessarily mean you are selfishly using your girlfriend as a sexist trope. The Manic Pixie Dream Girl is more a tool of media criticism for portrayals of women as accessories for a male protagonist's growth. In real life, relationships are much more dynamic and everyone should have a partner who pushes them to try new things - that's the beauty of any relationship, be it romantic or platonic: through your friend or partner you are exposed to experiences, ideas, and activities that you would not otherwise engage in on your own.

I think you have less to worry about than you think, since your writing of this thread indicates a self-awareness, sensitivity, and critical thought process. So: talk to your girlfriend about your concerns, tell her you don't want her to feel obligated to take care of you when you're sick, she's not obligated to help you vent when you're stressed, and she's not responsible for getting you out of your shell unless she wants to. Which I can almost guarantee she does.

I think a big part of being in a relationship is having someone who will express concern for your well being when you have been under the weather, who will show up with soup or stroke your hair while you lay in bed feeling miserable, who will expose you to new experiences, and help you when you're feeling stressed. The key thing, though, is making sure it's a balanced exchange: do the same things for her, be there for her in the same way she's there for you, and everything is fine.

Also, OMG cat sushi :3

>>2946
I'm with Gaius on this one. What are you trying to do, OP?

#firstworldproblems are still #problems.

>>2879 basically says it all... and if she really is a Manic Pixie Dream Girl: She _gets her benefits in the relationship_ by acting this way towards you. Like, that's what she _wants_ to do. If not 100%, then try to take care of what you can see for her. I guess just ask periodically if things are OK, and maybe reciprocate with homemade lunches or something sometimes? I'm no PhD, but if you think she's devaluing herself by expressing concern, someone or something's tweaked your self-esteem a little. Just stay cool, like, so you can land on your feet if things ever go south, and enjoy.

Pace yourself. I dunno if this is a perfect analogy, but... if your life has been emotionally troublesome, the experience of pure win can be overwhelming, like feeding a month-+ starving man nothing but foix gras. It might be what his body needs... but it needs to be gradual, and slowly sped up, for a while, anyway.

Ideas for nice things to do: Movies and the discussion/mocking thereof. Games, books, songs/albums, just jamming together, walks in the park, walks anywhere else, road trips, vacations, cruises, concerts, meals out, meals in, and working on any mutual dreams and hobbies - sometimes to surprise each other, sometimes together. Variety is the spice of life, and sameness is the meat and potatoes - you need both for a healthy mix.

Just maybe let her know that she's helping you get over whoever or whatever dinged your emotional balance, and you really appreciate it, and ask her if it's OK to talk a little bit more. Unless she's in the same boat and doesn't realize it, and then interprets that as the kind of mockery that completely shuts down the lines of communication. I'd think that in a healthy relationship people can talk about their own issues and receive support rather than "OMFG R U MOCKING ME"... but what do I know? I fail the mirror test for sapience every damn day, apparently.

Bad-case scenario to prepare for: She's more Magical Negro than Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Once you have your self-esteem she decides/declares that she's not the one/the stars have crossed/whatever and moves on. This does not seem likely from your post, but... idk how to insure against this. If your friends, family, or coworkers are legitimately great friends, you could maybe ask them to help, but given that from a certain angle you're assuming that you're toxic no matter what you do, they might be a part of the problem.

Everyone just needs more good. Take care of yourself. Take care of others. Don't exhaust yourself, and, while you have this great relationship, keep it.

I guess just remember: Everything is tenuous and unpredictable. Life is odd and unpredictable in some ways. In your life you've probably faced and coped with craptons of far worse things that you can't or don't want to remember. If it helps, try reminding yourself that you've more than earned the good in your life, and that it's a cakewalk compared to where you've been before. Just play with your stride. :) Best of luck, and love!