Is someone taking advantage of you?

Oh, that had got to be especially frustrating.

That is frustrating, especially when it happens at work and you still have to deal with the same people afterwards. Sometimes you can put up with things for a while, but eventually it just becomes too much. Hopefully you can find a way to set some boundaries without making things worse for yourself.

@AmbiePam yes. I feel so upset

I’ll have to stop letting them do it,

That is probably the hard part. Sometimes people will keep doing something as long as we keep allowing it, even if they know they are pushing their luck. At some point you have to decide whether to say something or simply change how much you are willing to do for them.

@septabchips I don't think that stand offs are the right way to handle things.

That sounds like a good way of handling it. Sometimes avoiding unnecessary contact is easier than having a confrontation, especially when you can control how often you have to deal with the person. At least you have found a way to keep some distance and protect your peace.

Sometimes saying a simple “no” is probably harder than it sounds, especially when you are used to helping people. But once someone realises you are no longer going along with it, things can change quickly. It sounds like you finally reached that point.

That really shows how important boundaries can be. Sometimes people do not realise they have crossed a line until you finally say no. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but once you make that boundary clear, people know where you stand.

That is good to hear. Hopefully it stays that way. Sometimes it is nice to go through life without having to wonder whether someone is quietly taking advantage of your kindness.

That’s great.

That peaceful feeling probably makes all the difference. Once you stop letting people take advantage of you, you realise how much unnecessary stress you were carrying. Sometimes protecting your peace means getting comfortable with saying no.

Good for you, Anna. Sometimes it’s okay to let it roll off your back, but then sometimes you have to put your foot down.

@AmbiePam - For a while you can fake that it's fine, but after a while if have to stop.

It sounds like you have reached your limit. Sometimes there comes a point where being patient just turns into allowing the same behaviour to continue. Hopefully you can put a stop to it and finally have some peace.

Thanks, DE.

So many people try to get money.

That says a lot when the friendly conversation suddenly disappears as soon as they realise there is no money coming from you. You did the right thing by being clear from the beginning. Some people are only interested in the friendship when there is something they can get from it.

That’s so obnoxious.

@NJChicaa That’s just not okay. They’re lucky you’re good natured about it.

@AmbiePam I don't mind it occasionally but they are showing up every day and just going into my prep room to help themselves. You know what's crazy? I got Chipotle for lunch today. (oh my stomach is still so full) A former student who gets out early has been coming to my room to hang for the last 2 periods because he is waiting for clubs after school. I took my 3 study hall students on a walk around the building because I wanted a soda. I left like 3/4 of my lunch at my desk. (never did find a vending machine) When we got back the kid had eaten the rest of my Chipotle.! I was like "you DO realize that I had eaten some of it right?" He said he didn't care and he thought I was done with it.

That is true. If someone knows they can keep getting away with something, they may have no reason to stop. Sometimes creating distance is the easiest way to protect your peace, especially when talking things through does not change anything.

@septabchips

@septabchips

Sometimes you just reach that point where you have had enough. Once you have made up your mind, it can be a lot easier to stop making excuses for the other person and start putting yourself first. I hope it goes well for you.

That is good to hear. Hopefully it stays that way. Life is stressful enough without having someone taking advantage of your kindness on top of everything else.

Oh, honey, that wouldn’t be a problem.

@thedevilinme No.

@AmbiePam an ugly man?