Reasons Others Take Advantage of Us & How to Stop It (bipolar, therapy)

[rocksy23]

I've looked up a lot of literature on this topic, as not only have I been taken advantage of by friends and family members alike, but I've unwittingly done the same to others.

I found a good article on the topic, but I'd like more resources -- if anyone has any they could share:

Reasons Others Take Advantage of Us -- And How to Stop It

The article only touches on how being too nice can lead to your being stepped on.

Why is it that so many people exploit others' good nature?

Do people take advantage of your good heart -- or do you know of other people who are taken advantage of because they're too nice? How often does this play out in your relationship?

[Oakwood123]

Absolutely! I used to be a doormat and finally got tired of it.

My mother a toxic control freak who is bipolar and doesn't take meds. She brainwashed me (easy to do to your children) and mentally ruined me, though I am now recovering from it after 30 years of it. As a result, I used to let other people control me as well.

I don't do that anymore, though it wasn't through therapy or reading, it was just real life and of course took much longer (hindsight is always 20/20).

I'm not the opposite (a control freak), just someone who refuses to allow other people to rip me off or try to control me. For example, one time the convenience store tried to jack me 20% on a cup of coffee (i.e., $1.19 instead of the advertised price of 99 cents). I refused to pay more and the stupid cashier (owner) refused to correct it, so I said no thanks then, I don't want the coffee. He banned me from the store! Fine, I wasn't going to come back anyway!

I have plenty other examples of getting rid of control freaks. They are like roaches. They need to be stomped on or sprayed with controlicide.

[rocksy23]

Originally Posted by Oakwood123

I have plenty other examples of getting rid of control freaks. They are like roaches. They need to be stomped on or sprayed with controlicide.

I agree!

[DauntlessDan]

Some people are natural "predators" and others natural "prey". The best thing to do is realize, either on your own or with the help of others, if you fall into either camp and where. Then seek, with as little emotion as possible, to change your attitude/status, if that is what you want to do. Assertion/consideration can help considering which end of the spectrum you are on.