How To Not Let People Treat You Like Shit

from a through and through people pleaser

It's a cold, hard world out there for people-pleasers. People can smell it on you, that vulnerability. That eagerness to please. That's how people take advantage. 

I think I’ve been a people pleaser all my life. Living with emotionally immature parents is the perfect environment for a people-pleaser to grow and thrive. The thing is,  it’s a hard habit to break.

It’s not something you can change overnight. It’s not even something you can change in a week. But it’s something you CAN change. Here's how I'm starting to do it: 

1. Recognize what YOU want. Fight for it. Ignore those who stand against you. 

2. Get mean, but stay kind. You have to know when to bare your teeth.  

3. Look after yourself with the same tenderness you would your child. You’re the most important person in your life. Take care of yourself. 

4. Lean on the ones who love you. Tell them your deepest fears and let them see your soul. They will care for it when you can’t.

5. Be comfortable with being alone. Once you stop letting people hurt you, they will leave. This is a fact. Let them.