Before you know it, one favor becomes two, or three. You're lending people money even though it may cause you some financial distress. You're giving others rides even though you have your own errands to run.
We all like helping others because not only does it feel good, but many of those people have been there to get us out of jams as well.
But there comes a point where we simply have to learn to say "no."
We can't always put others' needs and wants before our own. We have to remember that we're entitled to happiness just as much as our family, friends, and colleagues are. We have our own set of problems and priorities to deal with. It is, after all, our lives.
Being a good person means being there for others when they really need you. It doesn't mean being at their beck and call, especially when it concerns trivial matters -- ones that don't warrant dropping everything you're doing to tend to them.
Once these individuals label you a people pleaser, they may try to milk as much out of you as they can.
That's why it's imperative to communicate early on that you can't always change your plans to accommodate them.
And if you find yourself needing a hand, don't be afraid to reach out to them. Relationships -- the solid ones, at least -- involve give and take. If only one person is giving, it won't be long before he or she will feel they're being taken for granted.
The bottom line is that you should never allow yourself to become someone's doormat. Stand your ground when necessary. Don't give anyone license to call the shots in your life.
Unfortunately, when we're too nice and accommodating, some people take it as a free pass to impose themselves on us as they see fit.
Again, it helps a great deal to establish that you're nice and helpful, but you're no fool. Tell them point blank that you will not acquiesce to their every desire.
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