Are you tired of feeling like people take advantage of you? If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation wishing you’d spoken up or stood your ground, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there. It’s not about them, it’s about us.
The truth is, people can’t walk all over you unless you allow certain behaviors to continue—and often, those behaviors happen without you even realizing it.
But here’s the good news: you can change that. In this article, we’ll dive into nine common behaviors that invite others to take advantage of your kindness.
By saying goodbye to these habits, you’ll start setting stronger boundaries and commanding the respect you deserve.
1) Always saying yes
Do you often find yourself saying yes, even when you really want to say no?
It’s a common trait among those who feel like people are walking all over them.
Saying ‘yes’ when we mean ‘no’ is a behavior we adopt to avoid conflict or to be liked by others. It’s a difficult habit to break, but it’s crucial if you want to reclaim your power.
By always agreeing to what others want, you are essentially giving them permission to take advantage of your time, energy, and resources.
It’s okay to say no. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s your right.
Learning to express your feelings and set boundaries is an important step in ensuring that you’re treated with respect.
Every time you say no to something you don’t want to do, you’re saying yes to what you truly value and care about.
It might be tough at first, but once you start practicing this behavior, it will become easier and you’ll notice a significant change in the way others perceive and treat you.
2) Apologizing unnecessarily
I used to be a serial apologizer.
In my mind, saying “sorry” was a way to keep the peace and avoid conflict. But it wasn’t until a friend pointed it out that I realized how much this behavior was undermining my self-worth.
Apologizing when we’ve done something wrong is a sign of maturity. But continuously saying sorry for things we don’t need to be sorry for can make us look weak and submissive.
For instance, I used to apologize when someone else bumped into me, or when I needed to ask for help. I was essentially apologizing for taking up space and having needs.
Once I became aware of this, I started paying attention to each time I felt the urge to apologize.
Most of the time, I found that a thank you or a simple acknowledgment of the situation was more appropriate.
Instead of saying, “Sorry for bothering you,” I’d say, “Thank you for taking the time to help me.” This small shift in language made a big difference in how others viewed me, and more importantly, how I viewed myself.
If you’re like me and tend to over-apologize, start paying attention to when and why you’re doing it. You’ll likely find that most of the time, an apology isn’t necessary at all.
3) Avoiding confrontation
Confrontation can be uncomfortable, and it’s natural to want to avoid it. But steering clear of conflict entirely can often lead to being taken advantage of.
People who avoid confrontation are more likely to be perceived as pushovers. It’s a sign to others that they can get away with disrespecting your boundaries.
This doesn’t mean you should seek out conflict, but rather learn to address issues as they arise in a calm, assertive manner. This involves expressing your feelings and needs honestly, yet respectfully.
By doing so, you’re communicating to others that you value your own opinions and feelings just as much as theirs.
Over time, this will lead to greater respect and less instances of people walking all over you. It’s all about finding the balance between being assertive and being aggressive.
4) Over-explaining
Do you often find yourself over-explaining your actions or decisions to others?
This behavior can come from a place of wanting to avoid misunderstanding or conflict. But it’s important to remember that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for every choice you make.
Over-explaining can indicate a lack of confidence in your decisions, and it gives others the opportunity to question and undermine them.
It’s okay to keep some things to yourself. You have the right to make choices without having to justify them to everyone around you.
Next time you catch yourself giving a long-winded explanation for a simple decision, take a step back. Remember, it’s enough to be firm and clear in your choices without giving a detailed rationale.
5) Neglecting self-care
This might not seem obvious, but neglecting self-care can lead to people walking all over you.
How?
When you don’t prioritize your own needs and wellbeing, it sends a message to others that they can do the same.
However, when you prioritize self-care, you’re reinforcing your own self-worth and setting a standard for how you expect others to treat you.
So remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for maintaining healthy relationships and ensuring that others respect your boundaries.
6) Ignoring your feelings
One of the hardest, yet most crucial things you can do to stop people from walking all over you, is to acknowledge and honor your feelings.
We often dismiss our feelings, especially when they’re uncomfortable. We tell ourselves that we’re overreacting or being too sensitive.
But your feelings are valid and they matter. They’re your body’s way of communicating with you.
When someone crosses a line or does something that upsets you, it’s important to acknowledge those feelings instead of pushing them aside.
Ignoring them won’t make the situation better, it will only reinforce the idea that others can disrespect you without consequences.
Your feelings are telling you something. So listen to them, honor them, and most importantly, act upon them.
Speaking up might be scary, but it’s the first step towards ensuring that others treat you with the respect you deserve.
7) Feeling guilty for asserting yourself
Once, a colleague asked me for a favor which I knew would disrupt my schedule and cause me stress.
I was torn between wanting to help and needing to protect my time. In the end, I decided to assert myself and kindly declined.
But then, I found myself grappling with guilt.
This is something many of us can relate to – feeling guilty for standing our ground. But here’s the thing, asserting yourself is not something to feel guilty about. It’s a sign of self-respect.
When we assert ourselves, we communicate our needs and desires clearly and respectfully. It’s simply a way of looking after our own wellbeing.
8) Seeking validation from others
It’s natural to want validation from others. We’re social creatures, after all. But relying too much on others for approval can lead to people walking all over you.
When we constantly seek validation externally, we give others the power to define our worth. And that’s a power that belongs to you and you alone.
You don’t need someone else to tell you that your feelings are valid, your ideas are good, or your decisions are right. You know yourself better than anyone else.
So start trusting in your own instincts and abilities. Recognize your worth and don’t let anyone else undermine it.
Once you start validating yourself, you’ll find that you no longer need to seek it from others and you’ll command the respect you deserve.
9) Fearing rejection
At the root of many of these behaviors is fear of rejection.
We fear that if we assert ourselves, say no, or stop seeking validation, we’ll be rejected by those around us.
But here’s the most important thing you need to understand: Those who reject you for standing your ground and respecting your own boundaries are not people who have your best interests at heart.
True respect and meaningful relationships come from mutual understanding and acceptance. Anyone who can’t respect your boundaries or accept you for who you are doesn’t deserve a place in your life.
In conclusion: The power is in your hands
As we’ve explored, the way you interact with others and the habits you maintain can significantly impact how you’re treated.
By recognizing and addressing these nine behaviors, you’re taking a powerful step toward reclaiming your confidence and asserting your boundaries.
As you let go of these old patterns, you’ll find that people will start to respect you more and appreciate the strong, confident person you are.
