Recently, someone was describing a difficult relationship. This is no ordinary difficult relationship, but one with someone who is deeply connected with this person.
They have a long history.
It has been difficult.
They still have to interact on a regular basis.
To make matters worse, the other person offers things for FREE. Since these things are typically valuable, there is an incentive to accept these FREE items or events.
As this person described the situations, conversations, or interactions leading up to these FREE offerings, something became abundantly clear.
These offers were anything but FREE.
The COST OF FREE was significant to this person, their family, and those close to them.
The COST OF FREE to this person was in the emotional stress and obligations that these FREE offerings came with after the fact. They became indebted to this other person.
The COST OF FREE to their family was the toll the stress had on their ability to connect with them during these difficult times, and the time away that the other person would eventually require as payment.
The COST OF FREE to those close was also in the form of stress, but also the inability to have the time to connect because they owed someone else their time, energy, and creativity.
I encouraged this person to calculate the COST OF FREE from now on and compare it to the value of what was being offered. Before this, they just saw the value of what was being offered and felt the obligation to say YES.
Now they can calculate the COST OF FREE and if that cost outweighs the offer, they can say NO.
Have you considered the COST OF FREE? Maybe it is time count the cost.
You may find a way to FREE yourself.
Carl Weber Consulting 
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