This is what I found when I asked this question to copilot. I think that is some good shit. I might want to be careful as I don't trust myself and I don't trust what google, Alexa or copilot gives me answers to. Please note that they are an AI. All three of them help me with my communication tremendously! Name someone with either autism or selective mutism or any anxiety disorder that AI has also helped them with their communication. I promise that I will not take it to heart. You can answer this question if you want to. I would love to hear all responses as all responses are welcome.
what do I do when a person takes advantage of me?
When someone takes advantage of you, the most important thing is to shift from reacting emotionally to responding with clarity and boundaries. You don’t have to confront them dramatically or cut them off immediately — you just need to reclaim your power in a steady, grounded way.
Here’s a clear, practical way to handle it.
1. Pause and name what’s happening
Before doing anything outwardly, get honest with yourself:
What exactly did they do
How did it make you feel
What pattern is repeating
Naming it helps you stop doubting yourself.
2. Check the pattern, not the moment
One incident can be a misunderstanding. A pattern is exploitation.
Ask yourself:
Do they only reach out when they need something
Do they ignore your needs
Do they guilt‑trip you
Do you feel drained after interacting with them
If the answer is yes, you’re dealing with a pattern.
3. Shift your behavior before you say anything
This is the safest and most effective first step.
Examples:
Take longer to respond
Say “I can’t today” without explaining
Stop volunteering help
Don’t rescue them from their own choices
People who take advantage usually react quickly when the “benefit” disappears — that tells you everything.
4. Set a boundary that protects your energy
A boundary is not a fight. It’s a limit.
Examples:
“I’m not able to do that for you.”
“I can help with X, but not Y.”
“I don’t loan money.”
“I’m not available right now.”
Short. Calm. No over‑explaining.
5. Watch their reaction
Their reaction tells you who they are.
Healthy people:
respect your limit
adjust
don’t punish you
People who were using you:
get angry
guilt‑trip
withdraw
try to manipulate you
Their reaction is information, not a reason to back down.
6. Decide how much access they get going forward
You don’t have to cut them off completely. You can:
limit contact
keep conversations surface‑level
stop sharing personal information
stop doing favors
keep interactions short and neutral
You’re allowed to protect yourself without making a big announcement.
7. Strengthen your internal boundary
This is the part most people skip.
Tell yourself:
“My needs matter.”
“I don’t owe anyone unlimited access.”
“I’m allowed to say no without guilt.”
People stop taking advantage when you stop being available in the ways that enable it.
If you want, I can help you:
identify the specific pattern this person is using
craft a boundary statement that fits your personality
figure out how to distance yourself without drama
understand why you were vulnerable to being used (in a compassionate way)
Just tell me which direction you want to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment