Infatuation Rules
Photo by Karolina Grabowska Pexels Logo Photo: Karolina Grabowska

How do you know when you are being used?

For instance, they may ask you to lend them money or pay their bills. The person imposes on you without consideration for your availability or preferences. For instance, they may move in with you unexpectedly or want to borrow your car at a moment's notice. The person expects you to take care of their needs.

What is it called when 2 family members sleep together?
What is it called when 2 family members sleep together?

Incest (/ˈɪnsɛst/ IN-sest) is human sexual activity between family members or close relatives. This typically includes sexual activity between...

Read More »
How do you know if you found your soulmate?
How do you know if you found your soulmate?

If you are in a trusting, positive friendship with your SO, that's an amazing sign! Being with them feels like home. ... You balance each other...

Read More »

Have you ever gotten the feeling that someone is manipulating you for their benefit? Or that they care more about what you can offer them than they do about you? In these situations, it’s possible that you’re being used. When someone says they feel “used” by someone it typically means the person feels their rights have either been violated or they have been taken advantage of in some way, says Meghan Marcum, PsyD, chief psychologist at AMFM Healthcare. "In some cases, the individual being used may not recognize the pattern until long after the behaviors first start. On other occasions, the individual is keenly aware they have been manipulated for another person’s gain right away,” says Marcum. Past relationships—sometimes going back to childhood—can play a role in adult relationship dynamics. For instance, people who have grown up in a positive family climate may be more assertive and therefore less likely to be taken advantage of. This article helps you identify some signs that you’re being used and suggests some strategies to help you put a stop to it.

Signs You’re Being Used

While everyone’s circumstances are different, these are some signs that someone may be using you, according to Marcum: The person asks you for money, favors, or other items . For instance, they may ask you to lend them money or pay their bills. . For instance, they may ask you to lend them money or pay their bills. The person imposes on you without consideration for your availability or preferences . For instance, they may move in with you unexpectedly or want to borrow your car at a moment’s notice. . For instance, they may move in with you unexpectedly or want to borrow your car at a moment’s notice. The person expects you to take care of their needs . For instance, if you go out for dinner with them, they may not offer to pay and simply expect you to pick up the tab. . For instance, if you go out for dinner with them, they may not offer to pay and simply expect you to pick up the tab. The person appears disinterested in you after their needs have been met . For instance, they may use you to meet their needs but may not want to spend time with you otherwise. . For instance, they may use you to meet their needs but may not want to spend time with you otherwise. The person is only affectionate or intimate with you when it’s convenient for them . For instance, they may be affectionate toward you until they get what they want. . For instance, they may be affectionate toward you until they get what they want. The person doesn’t make an effort to be there for you when you need them. For instance, even though they borrow your car regularly, they may not agree to give you a ride to the airport.

What makes a man happy with his woman?
What makes a man happy with his woman?

Clear communication, openness to new experiences, and respect for your partner are key if you want to build a lasting, loving relationship. 1. Make...

Read More »
What are the signs of a broken friendship?
What are the signs of a broken friendship?

The friendship is consistently one-sided. ... They betray your trust. ... They don't keep your secrets. ... They are overly negative and...

Read More »

Impact of Being Used

Being used can take a toll on your mental health as well as your relationships. Marcum explains how below.

Impact on Mental Health

Being taken advantage of can lead to significant mental health problems, especially if you have been used or harmed in a previous relationship. It can manifest symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Over time, you may have difficulty trusting others and forming new relationships.

Impact on Relationships

Meghan Marcum, PsyD Being used is definitely not a sign of a healthy relationship. It means one person is taking excessively while the other is making all the sacrifices. — Meghan Marcum, PsyD It disrupts the power balance within the relationship. In a healthy relationship, both partners would be responsible for providing support, trust, and emotional security to their partner.

Strategies to Avoid Being Used

Marcum lists some steps you can take to avoid being used:

Set boundaries: Learning to identify violations to interpersonal boundaries and setting healthy boundaries is a great way to start protecting your mental health and ensuring you're not being used. Learning to identify violations to interpersonal boundaries and setting healthy boundaries is a great way to start protecting your mental health and ensuring you're not being used. Work on your self-esteem: Working to build self-compassion and recognizing your value can also help limit the possibility of being taken advantage of in relationships. Working to build self-compassion and recognizing your value can also help limit the possibility of being taken advantage of in relationships. Seek guidance: Seeking guidance from a mental health professional, mentor, or someone you look up to can also be helpful as you work toward creating healthy boundaries.

A Word From Verywell

Being used is not a good feeling and it can lead to mental health difficulties as well as relationship-related issues. Identifying the signs that someone is using you, setting boundaries with them, and seeking help from loved ones or a mental health professional can help you process how you feel about being used and in turn, work to help prevent it.

What do guys find attractive about a girl?
What do guys find attractive about a girl?

Men prefer a woman who can stay calm and relaxed. Beauty is more than make-up and a fancy haircut. Men find women more attractive when they are...

Read More »
Why you shouldn't chase someone?
Why you shouldn't chase someone?

When you chase people, you're handing the keys to your happiness over to them. You're only going to be happy when they notice you, answer your...

Read More »
What does a turtle flag mean?
What does a turtle flag mean?

The yellow flag is used to warn beach-goers and anglers to use extra caution when driving on the beach. The flag is flown at the Entrance Station,...

Read More »
What does Romans 12 2 teach us?
What does Romans 12 2 teach us?

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's...

Read More »