NEVER make exceptions!!!!!!

[Littledragon]

I totally agree!! Even if the subject is super trivial. I had a mom refuse to provide emergency clothes. Normally, I would been OK with it, but she seemed like the type of person who would eventually change this rule, than that rule, than this rule. I spent 3 days arguing about a friggen pair of emergency clothes. SO trivial. But if I gave in to that, just like you said, when would it stop?

I'm sorry you're going through something that difficult. It's hard for us who are people pleasers and want to make things easier for others, because we would like the same treatment if the roles were reveresed. Unfortunately though, it's just not possible. People, by nature, take advantage, whether or not they mean to. I have a friend who is starting up a daycare right now and is refusing to supply a contract. She's been screwed so far by three clients, but she won't do up a contract. I've explained to her that if she lets them, they will take advantage. It sucks to admit that it's human nature, but it's just the way it is. You need to define the line between friends and working relationships. It's really hard for me because I get along with pretty much everyone, and people automatically assume we're friends, just bc of the way that I am. But once you develop that type of relationship, it's hard to be assertive when you need to be.

Hand in there and stand your ground. What I have learned is simply to change my language. Instead of I prefer, I would rather, I think, I would like, I feel. Those words leave room for discussion.