This is me to a t. I have this vulnerable look about me. Some people like to prey on this. But most people are generally really protective of me. I think so Amy way.
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The places I worked at took advantage of my desire to work with little in return. However it gave me a purpose in life. The drug companies took advantage of my desperation to be relieved of my symptoms of the illness although they also took advantage of the generosity of those willing to pay their taxes. The place I live took advantage of my desire to have a place to live on my own although I took advantage of use of their property. But I have protection from homelessness. I have taken advantage of the farmers who grew my food, people who sacrificed their bodies to build the places that I have lived, my parentās sacrifices, and many other folks for different things I have been able to do. And they have been paid for it with love or money. Life is give and take.
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One beauty of me not being able to handle a lot is it has forced me to be direct with boundaries. Of all my hospital groups that is what I learned most important. And only friends are those that know I can see them like once a month or two of whatever. And I donāt let people make me do more, take from me or put negativity on me because I wont survive it enough to be whole for my family. And needy people wanting time I canāt give them can be taking advantage of me that a form of it. No way. And boundaries help me kind vs be a mess
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Everyone has in my past. Thatās why I donāt have friends anymore nor do I want any.
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Not so much now but in high school I was a total pushover. But what helped me was getting a job part time in a liquor store while pursuing my degree. My boss gave me some excellent advice:
Assume Nothing, Trust No One!
I had a hard time putting this into practice initially. But this one guy who was drunken friends with my dad when I was growing up came in and decided to bully me about the little space in my front teeth. I took it for a while but then I realized I had had enough. I was behind the counter and I looked him straight in the eye and said ātease me again and Iāll wipe your whole ***** off the face of the earth!" It was mean, yes, but I never saw him again.
Iāve also had former classmates come in and if they were underage and wouldnāt sell to them theyād say stuff like ācome on John I was nice to you?" My reply was always huh I suppose now I owe you for that then?
I try not to be mean and give people a chance but Iāve learned boundaries are super important.
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Hi @Wave. I got the car for you. Just e-mail me your personal info and Iāll let it go for half of what its worth. Trust me, I know what Iām talking about. Its a 2012 Camry with just a 1000 miles on it and the previous owner was a little old lady who just drove it once a week on Sundays to go to church. If you pay me now, Iāll throw in a free trip to Jamaica, all expenses paid.
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Repetitively ā¦
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Ha ha ha ā¦ @77nick77
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Iām glad people know me and get my jokes, lol. Have a nice night @Wave.
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You too @77nick77
Thanks!
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Iām easy prey. Firstly, because I am not workingā¦I must have time for everybody elseās needs. Then due to my non existent self esteemā¦I find myself in knowingly unhealthy relationships. But I seem to choose the distraction of outside dramaā¦often enoughā¦to escape being alone with my thoughts. So Iām guilty of allowing people to walk all over me.
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There is a vulnerability when you are mentally ill. People donāt always treat you in an empathetic, compassionate way. Just the opposite. They can surely take advantage of someone who has not refined social skillsā¦like when you have led a relatively reclusive lifeā¦and can easily fall into traps that more healthy minded people would avoid. Predators prey on the weak and I hate feeling responsible for my mental and emotional shortcomings. Sorry. Venting. Someone turned on me who I should never have allowed into my life. But I suppose that even the strongest of minds can crumble.
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I have a saying:
Screw me onceā¦
twice if I like it.
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