It depends. If I could be of assistance towards my partner, I'd be glad to give it my all. Support is only a given and in ACTUAL danger their well being would come first. But there is a limit to everything. Boundaries. By continuously being their shield you become an obstacle in their way yourself regardless of intentions. Some fights are meant to be fought alone. That is how development works. It is not anyone's place to include themselves as doing so takes away from said person's growth and that's outright selfish. Experiences in Life shape us to be who we are. Whether positive or negative, they can't be avoided. Otherwise, both parties get affected. The shield will eventually break and the person behind it won't have any other means of protecting themselves on their own. Such bonds can end up being pretty toxic and that applies for every kind of relation. Whether we are dealing with an over-protective parent, friend, lover, etc. It is important for one to know where to step in or not. Trust goes the longest way and that needs to be mutual too. You remain by each other's side and walk forward together in the end !!!!