Nobody wants to be taken advantage of in life, especially when they’re just trying to help out. Unfortunately, it’s all too common, with many selfish people actively exploiting people, even their friends. So to protect yourself from this, here are behaviors that indicate someone is taking advantage of you.
One-Sided Conversations
If someone dominates your conversations all the time, ignoring your input, that’s a serious red flag. Conversations should go two ways, so if someone constantly talks about themselves and shows little interest in your life, it reflects their self-centered nature and their willingness to take advantage of your listening skills.
Unwillingness to Compromise
It’s only reasonable to meet people halfway on decisions or plans, as it shows basic respect for each other. So, if someone insists on having things their way every time without considering compromising for your preferences or needs, they’re clearly exploiting your goodwill.
Frequent Borrowing Without Repayment
Anyone who borrows money or items from you without returning them or offering repayment is exploitative. This behavior suggests they see you as a resource rather than a friend or partner deserving of respect. They may even be taking advantage of the fact that saying no feels awkward and impolite.
Constant Requests for Favors
Everyone needs a helping hand occasionally, but if someone frequently requests help, especially without reciprocation, they’re taking advantage of you. It shows a lack of balance and respect in the relationship, but it may not be intentional, so if you notice it, Bustle recommends that you speak up.
Emotional Manipulation
One of the most common tactics for someone taking advantage of you is guilt-tripping or emotional blackmail. These manipulative individuals twist situations to make you feel responsible for their emotions or actions, keeping you in a constant state of anxiety. If you notice this, don’t let yourself be gaslighted.
Lack of Appreciation
The most obvious tell-tale sign of being taken advantage of is when someone you helped fails to show any gratitude. When your contributions go unnoticed or unappreciated, it suggests the person doesn’t value your help or consider your feelings. So, you should stop helping them until they change their attitude.
Ignoring Boundaries
Another clear sign that someone is taking advantage of you is when they ignore your personal boundaries and limits, indicating a complete lack of respect. Someone who continuously oversteps your comfort zone is clearly just prioritizing their needs over your well-being, and no one should have to tolerate that.
Taking Credit for Your Work
One of the cruelest ways someone can take advantage of another is to claim their ideas as their own. This robs their friend of their credibility, showing zero integrity or respect. Sadly, this behavior is common in professional contexts, especially where the person benefits from your hard work without acknowledgment.
Only Reaching Out When They Need Something
Everyone has that friend who only reaches out when they need something and disappears immediately after they get what they want. This highlights their self-serving nature, applying a transactional approach to relationships to take advantage of them. It’s incredibly insincere, but unfortunately, it’s all too common.
Using Flattery to Manipulate
If you receive excessive compliments and charm from someone, be careful, as someone may be planning to take advantage of you, using charm to lower your guard. By flattering you, manipulators can influence your actions and decisions, making you more likely to comply with their demands, which is incredibly deceptive.
Making You Feel Guilty for Saying No
You should never feel guilty for saying no, but people who take advantage of others will try to make this happen, turning your refusal into a guilt trip. It’s an awful thing to do as it undermines your right to autonomy and respect. Just say no–there’s nothing wrong with that.
Expecting You to Drop Everything for Them
People who are self-centered and entitled will commonly demand immediate attention or help without considering the schedule or commitments of the person. This expectation reflects their belief that their needs are more important than yours, which is a classic sign of someone taking advantage of others.
Disregarding Your Opinions
Anyone who ignores the thoughts and opinions of others shows a lack of respect. It also indicates that they don’t value your perspective or contributions and are using you for something you can offer them. It’s a harsh betrayal, so if you encounter this, they’re not your real friend.
Blaming You for Their Problems
When someone shifts their responsibility onto another person, they’re taking advantage of them–plain and simple. It’s a manipulative form of behavior that creates a sense of obligation and guilt, making you feel responsible for fixing problems you didn’t cause, so remember: their problems aren’t your fault.
Not Respecting Your Time
People who take advantage of others will rarely be on time; in fact, they’ll cancel plans at the last minute. In contrast, they might also try to dominate your time, insisting on spending every minute with you. Sadly, this won’t be fun, as they’ll just be after something.
Financial Exploitation
If someone uses your financial resources without permission or consistently asks for money, it’s a clear sign of exploitation. It indicates they see you as a financial safety, a form of entitlement that will only lead to you developing financial problems and feelings of being used.
Withholding Affection or Approval
A particularly manipulative behavior from people who take advantage of others is to use affection or approval as a tool to control someone’s behavior. It’s incredibly manipulative; by giving or withholding love and validation, they keep you dependent on their approval for your self-esteem. It’s seriously messed up.
Playing the Victim
Everyone can agree that when someone constantly portrays themselves as the victim, it’s not just annoying but manipulative. This behavior diverts attention from their actions and places an unnecessary emotional burden on them. This victim mentality can make you feel guilty and overly responsible for their well-being.
Refusing to Take Responsibility
People who manipulate and use other people will always avoid taking accountability for their actions. Instead, they’ll happily blame others, taking advantage of their kindness and willingness to be a scapegoat. There’s nothing positive or justifiable about that, so if you notice it in a friend, cut them off.