How to Practice Self-Preservation
If you are a people pleaser like me who can’t say no to anything or anyone you understand that you can be a target for those who want to take advantage of you. Do you feel awkward or uncomfortable when someone asks you for something? How can you protect yourself from people who want to take from you until you have no more to give? Here are a few ways to practice self-preservation with examples from my own experience.
When someone asks for money. I have a friend who struggles financially and will occasionally ask me to help out by giving her money. She always says she will pay me back, but that never happens. I helped her when I could, but once I did not have anything extra, and when I told her that, she said not to worry. She was only making sure she had some extra money for emergencies. Suffice it to say we discussed the situation. I want to help a friend out when I can but decide if you are comfortable doing that.
Don’t hesitate to tell someone you do not have any extra money. Maybe you can help with groceries, or in some other way if you feel comfortable doing that.
Make sure you are not enabling someone by constantly bailing them out of financial situations.
Remember that having a kind heart can make you and easy mark for someone. Don’t feel guilty about refusing to give financial help.
