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hOW do you know if you're being a doormat?

Signs youre being too passive People take advantage of your kindness. Youre not appreciated. You feel burnt out on giving and not receiving. You dont take care of yourself because youre too busy taking care of everyone else. You say yes when you dont want to. You apologize for things you didnt do or didnt cause. More items... •

psychcentral.com - How to Stop Being a Doormat and Regain Your Self-Respect

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Are you tired of feeling like a doormat? You know, like everyones walking all over you, taking what they need with little or no concern for what you need? Perhaps you loan money that isnt repaid. Or you hold off making your own plans because youre waiting on someone else. You get stuck chairing another committee because you were afraid to say no. You drive out of your way to help out your sister, but she never offers to return the favor (and you never ask). These are all signs of what I call being a human doormat, pleasing others at your own expense, or being passive.

Signs youre being too passive People take advantage of your kindness.

Youre not appreciated.

You feel burnt out on giving and not receiving.

You dont take care of yourself because youre too busy taking care of everyone else.

You say yes when you dont want to.

You apologize for things you didnt do or didnt cause.

You feel guilty.

You spend time with people you dont like.

You avoid conflict.

You compromise your values if it means people will be happy with you. Generosity and helping others is a good thing; I dont mean to suggest otherwise. Many people could actually do more to help others, but some of you are giving to the point of harming yourselves. This harm may not be noticeable or its easy to minimize or justify as necessary for the greater good. But perhaps theres a way for more balance in the giving and receiving so that you arent constantly depleted. You need to replenish your emotional energy To be healthy, we dont just need nutritious food and a good nights sleep. We also need to fuel ourselves with emotional and spiritual good stuff. We can meet some of these needs ourselves through self-care activities such as exercise, prayer, singing, or meditation. Other needs are fulfilled through relationships with others. This could include a hug, someone saying thank you or validating your feelings. If youre giving (or letting people take) from you without refilling your tank through self-care and fulfilling relationships, you will end up exhausted and resentful. Its not sustainable to expend energy and not replenish it. What gets in the way of being assertive? When I talk with men and women who struggle to be more assertive, they notice that behind their passivity there is fear. What fears are getting in the way of you being more assertive? What unpleasant outcome do you imagine will happen if youre more assertive? For most of us codependent, passive-types, were afraid of hurting peoples feelings, were afraid of rejection or people walking out of our lives, were afraid of conflict, were afraid of being seen as difficult, were afraid that our needs wont be met even if we ask. Its safest and easiest to be a doormat. But it feels crappy to be treated like you dont matter and youre just there to make other people happy. These are values that we were taught as children (to put others first, be generous, etc). And like I said, these arent bad values when theyre balanced with self-respect and self-love. In childhood, these self-sacrificing behaviors may have been essential ways to keep ourselves (or others) safe and to try to control the chaos around us. As an adult, you have more choices and more coping skills. You can find your voice and reap the rewards of being more assertive.

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What is assertiveness? Sometimes the barrier to assertive communication is confusing assertiveness with aggression. Assertiveness isnt lashing out in anger. Its not yelling or nagging. Its not arguing. Its not letting irritations and hurts build up and then dumping them all at once (verbal vomiting, as some like to call it). Assertive communication respects you and other people. It clearly, directly, and respectfully communicates your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Tips for practicing assertive communication: Check in with yourself regularly to find out what youre feeling and what you need (you cant ask for what you want if you dont know what it is!). Prepare for difficult conversations. Plan and practice what you want to say and how youre going to say it. Writing a script can be helpful preparation. Pick an optimal time to express your thoughts and feelings. Be sure you have the other persons full attention. We all know it doesnt work to try to talk to someone when theyre engrossed in the TV or computer; nor is it productive to talk to someone whos under the influence or already very angry.

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If youre angry or anxious, do something to calm yourself down.

Ask for what you want. You have to be clear and direct in asking for your needs to be met. We often make the mistake of expecting people to just know what we want. No matter how long youve been married or how long youve worked for the same boss, its not fair to expect them to know what you want or need. You have to ask directly. Remain true to your feelings and needs. As I said earlier, asking doesnt necessarily guarantee that your needs will be met. But, remember that you still have the right to ask. Use I statements. This technique helps you express your feelings and needs without blame. There is a simple formula for an I statement that sounds like this: I am feeling ____________ (unappreciated) because __________ (I went out of my way to drive you to the airport and you didnt say thank you) and Id like ___________ (you to acknowledge that my feelings are hurt and apologize). You can read more here. Respectful communication isnt just about asking for what you need; it also requires active listening to understand the other persons point of view. Assertiveness is a skill. The more you practice, the easier it will become.

psychcentral.com - How to Stop Being a Doormat and Regain Your Self-Respect

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