These people sound just like a friend that I had. It was what I could do for her. And yes, also taking credit when she wasn’t the one doing them. She cut me off some time ago because she kept asking for favors such as lending money (I’m not talking about $5, she asked for hundreds at a time) & I just didn’t want to be the “go to” friend anymore, so I just kept saying “Sorry I can’t” We used to be really close but the last few months of our friendship was just her asking me for things. She probably thinks I’m selfish because I was no longer at her beckoning call, but she was being selfish, just keeping me around to see what she could get. I am a very generous person & I will help when I can, but not when I feel that I am being used. I think you & I are alike in that we love helping others. It’s in our nature, but then, unfortunately, we get some “friends” like these. Be careful who you choose to keep as a friend. Stay kind. Don’t let a few bad people make you bitter. But also, be careful who you lend a hand to. If you feel like you are being used, trust your own instincts. My heart ached reading this, as I can relate. I wish you the best of luck in any future relationships. 🙂

I know this post is not knew but I wanted to respond, first with a question: Did this person/journalist you help KNOW you were hoping to get get an intruduction to the editors for credit / paycheck / future work.
I have a friend I had similar exhanges with but I did not expect anything further. No shared credits, etc. I was content to help this person accomplish their task. HOWEVER, if this person KNEW that you were hoping for these things then I too would feel especially betrayed.
The pattern in your life is very similar to the HSP (Highly Sensitive Person / Empath ) People of a caring and empathetic nature can be spotted a mile away and often attract opportunists, manipulators and narciessists. In the Buddhist tradition we try to understand these people with a sense of compassion and a sense of cause and effect. But since we are human I feel we cannot honor the process/lesson if we try to skip the emotional journey and leap right into forgiveness and compassion. Quite frankly I think those are the people who ultimately end up snapping or heavily medicated. — we Must honor the emotional journey and allow our feelings.
But you must also understand that being empathetic is going to bring these types of people into your life. They are (in the kindest term I can come up with) *users*. They may not come with malicious intent. They may tell themselves (and you) how nice you are….doing this for them.
But if you want mutual respect then you need to find a way to assert healthy boundaries. Because you deserve it. — But it’s up to you to set up those red velvet ropes and make it clear that anyone who wants to be an *insider* will be expected to bring a six pack of respect, mutual exchange and empathy.
Doesn’t mean you have to dump these folks from your life. If you assert yourself early/with diplomacy and respect then they will get the message and judging by whether they stick around and tolerate your healthy boundaries, you will know whether they belong in your life.
It has worked for me. And believe me..the relationships get stronger and you get much happier. I wish you luck.

I’m dealing with the same issue. I think it has something to do with how you present yourself to people, there is something your doing that tells that they can treat you that way. notice how you interact and their gestures, the words they used, listen to your body react to them.