Frustration

am i wrong to be frustrated with your
constant need for reassurance
when my words never seem to help anyway
no matter what combination i use
love, respect, reality, optimism?
it can't make a dent in your self apathy
or your self loathing.
and when you turn to resenting me
because i can't fix what's broken...
your self esteem...
what then?
what's the point?
is it like the stranded starfish?
you help all you can, though it may be too late
just in case one can thrive again?
at least with starfish you don't have
to look your failure in the eye.
how many times can i fail
before i quit?