How to Stop Others from Taking Advantage of You

I was having a perfectly fine Friday evening drinking a few beers and chatting with my Indonesian, Malaysian, Canadian, Indian, Australian, and Philippian friends online. Around 2:30 AM, the evening went sour. Two assholes showed up: big, bulky men who I cannot possibly refute or drive away. They snorted cocaine on my kitchen counter without asking permission, took several of my hard-earned beers (and believe me, I work VERY HARD for what I have), several of my cigarettes ("GIVE ME A CIGARETTE"), and took me away from my computer so that they could find guys to go sodomize (I SHIT YOU NOT!). They finally left close to 4:00 AM. My entire evening had been shot. I was so mad and frustrated. They could have at least called and asked first if it was okay to stop by.

I am so fed up with people who use me for their own gain without remorse. They are not my friends. I feel like the only way to rid myself of them is to move and not tell anybody where I went or what my new phone number is. Otherwise, they will continue using me. They stop by all the time to take my cigarettes, use my computer, and use my phone. Their friends and "hoes" constantly call me. One even calls "RESTRICTED" and says nothing when I pick up the phone. She just keeps calling... it's called harassment. I could change my #, but it would start up again soon after. The word "NO" means nothing to these people. Trying to talk to them elicits no productive reply. They ask, "Why you actin' funny!?"

I could sit back and cry/whine about it, but society would just laugh. Society does not take heed to the victim's plight. One Lady commented, "I hate people who let others walk all over them." To be a victim means to be a "loser" who doesn't deserve others' respect. So, I decided to take a proactive approach and research "How to Stop Others From Taking Advantage of You". This is what I found... I hope it helps others who may be suffering from a similar plight:

Step One

Consider the request. Decide if it is something you want to do and if you have the time to do it. If you are not sure, tell them you need time to think about it and will get back to them.

Step Two

Say "no" immediately to things you do not want to do or do not have time for. There's no need to put it off if you already know the answer. Be kind but assertive with your words and body language.

Step Three

Shake off the urge to offer reasons or justifications for your decision. You may offer a reason if you choose to but it is not necessary in most cases.

Step Four

Confront those who take advantage of you. Let them know that you have felt as if they have been using you and you feel resentful for the lack of respect they have been showing you. Remain calm and clearly state your future expectations.

Step Five

Expect resistance. The people around you have grown accustomed to taking advantage of you and want to continue. Stand firm and don't allow them to make you feel guilty for your decisions.

Step Six

End relationships with those who do not have enough respect for you to recognize that your wants and needs are just as important as their own. If the person taking advantage of you is an employer or co-workers, it may be time to start looking for another job.