Why would Buffy risk their lives like that?

[Chosen Enemy]

In the beginning, Buffy didn't want Xander and Willow to get involved in the war against evil, it was too dangerous for regular people, teens. And that made sense. They didn't have superpowers. Willow wasn't a powerful witch yet. She was good with computers, but that wouldn't save her life. I mean, it was good for the gang because she could pull out information and such, but having her in the field would risk her life and no computer would save her then. And Xander... well he's a good friend, but has no special abillities or superpowers. Wasn't it a little stupid of Buffy to let them fight beside her, risk their lives? Was that smart? Forget about what they turned out to be from there. But in the beginning, why would Buffy let them fight beside her and risk their lives? I think she would have felt terrible if something had happened to them.
Any thoughts?

 

[brinkster130]

I think the only reason she let the help her was because they already knew about the demons and monsters that came out at night. She didn't want them to know, she actively tried to keep it from them, but once it was out I think she figured it would be better to keep them around and keep an eye on them. Of course as time went on, they both proved to be somewhat useful to her.

 

[Cast No Shadow]

I don't think she did want to, at first she was upset when they happened to turn up when a big fight was going on. Then I think she thought that safety in numbers would help, so if they were determined to come with her, much as she didn't want them to, at least they would be near her and she could protect them. I think she made the best of a bad situation.

 

[Ripper666]

Yeah I agree with castnoshadow. And I think that as you said, they helped Buffy. Willow for example with her computer-skills. I don't think the two would say:" Ok Buffy, we help you with computers and school, but the demons you have to fight all alone"! In contrary, they had been afraid that Buffy could happen something bad. They wanted to help Buffy and they wouldn't stay at home just because Buffy said it. And I think that it was a sort of relief for Buffy, two other persons with whom she can talk about the Slayer-things. And Willow and Xander really wanted to help her, retuning wasn't possible after the two had made their first contacts with the evil!

 

[sisterofmercy]

I don't think she had much of a choice once they became friends. They seemed rather determined to help and I suppose part of her wanted to keep them as friends so as to have some kind of normal life so it's not like she could distance herself from them to keep them safe.

 

[shadcat]

Buffy really didn't have a say. They would of helped regardless.

 

[WWGD]

She at first did not want them to join her in battle and she often got angry and tried to stop them. However, once they knew of the evils that existed there was no stopping Xander and Willow from trying to help their friend. The only way Buffy could have really stopped them was to completely cut off from them. If she did that though, wouldn't they just still want to help the world, but without the help of a slayer? Then they'd be in even more danger of getting killed.

 

[Dagenspear]

Buffy was pretty much being selfish in this situation. She wanted it all, friends, a life, a boyfriend, the whole shebang. So she didn't really actively try to push them out of her slayer duties. Probably out of fear of lonliness and isolation. Partially understandable, but still wrong, and not something a hero should ever do.

 

[Hale Caesar]

I agree it never made much sense. Buffy could take care of herself, but for her to have to fight demons and protect her friends seems like an unnecessary worry for her. When you think about it, it's a miracle someone never got hurt