There’s no coincidence that people can take advantage of a spiritual person, they are often empaths that are here to serve mankind.  However, it’s unfair and personally, it hurts Gill's heart when someone is feleing unappreciated or that another human being is taking advantage of their kind nature.  Here’s some signs to watch out for:

• They Dominate Conversations 
  • The primary topic of conversation is always them. They rarely, if ever, show genuine interest in your life, feelings, or experiences.

• Selective Communication
  • They only reach out to you when they need something or want to talk about their problems. There's a noticeable lack of balance in your interactions.

• Obligatory Help
  • When they do offer help, it feels more like an obligation rather than a genuine act of kindness. Their assistance lacks enthusiasm and sincerity.

• Confidence Leech
  • They seek you out specifically for a confidence boost, leaning on you to make them feel better while offering little to no emotional support in return.

• Lack of Support
  • They are notably absent when you need support, be it emotional, moral, or practical. They don't show up for you in meaningful ways.

• Absence of Sacrifice
  • They never go out of their way or make sacrifices for you. The relationship is convenient for them, with little regard for your needs or circumstances.

• Conditional Presence
  • They only want to spend time with you when it suits their schedule or benefits them in some way. Your companionship is based on their convenience.

• Frequent Favours
  • They are constantly asking you for favours, often without considering your time, resources, or willingness to help.

• Financial Dependence
  • They frequently expect you to cover expenses, such as paying for meals or activities, without reciprocating or acknowledging the imbalance.

• Feelings of Exploitation
  • You often feel taken advantage of in the relationship. There's a pervasive sense that they are using you for their own benefit.

• Control Over Decisions
  • They insist on making all the decisions, from what to do together to major life choices, without considering your input or desires.

• Delegation of Responsibility
  • They ensure that you are the one in charge of tasks or responsibilities, often shirking their own duties onto you.

• Sulking Behaviour
  • They tend to sulk or become passive-aggressive when they don't get their way, manipulating you emotionally to get what they want.

• Emotional Manipulation
  • They frequently make you feel guilty or bad about yourself, using your good nature against you to maintain control or get their way.

Managing someone who takes advantage of your kindness requires setting clear boundaries, maintaining self-respect, and practicing assertive communication. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this situation:

• Once you’ve recognised the Behaviour, meaning you are aware of repeated behaviours where your kindness is being exploited. Reflect on interactions and recognise when your generosity is not reciprocated or appreciated.

• Set Boundaries - Clearly define what you are willing and not willing to do for others. Communicate these limits explicitly. Be firm, stand by your boundaries consistently. It’s important to enforce them even when it feels uncomfortable.

• Communicate Assertively - Use “I” Statements to communicate your feelings and needs without blaming the other person. For example, “I feel overwhelmed when I’m asked to do too much, and I need to focus on my own responsibilities.”

• Be Direct and Honest - Clearly express your expectations and limits without being apologetic for having them.

• Prioritise Self-Care - Take time for yourself. Ensure you are taking care of your own needs and well-being first. This helps you maintain the energy and emotional strength needed to enforce boundaries.

• Engage in Self-Reflection - Regularly assess how interactions with others affect you and make adjustments as necessary.

• Learn to Say No - Practice saying no. Understand that it’s okay to decline requests that overextend your capacity. Saying no is a form of self-respect.

• Be Polite but Firm - When declining, be polite but firm. You don’t need to provide lengthy explanations.

• Seek Support - Talk to Trusted friends, or a family member.  Discuss your situation with people you trust who can offer perspective and support.

• Consider Professional Help - If you find it particularly challenging to assert your boundaries, consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor.

• Evaluate Relationships - Assess mutual respect. Reflect on whether the relationship is mutually respectful and beneficial. Healthy relationships should involve give and take from both sides.

• Consider Distancing - If someone continually takes advantage of you despite your efforts to set boundaries, it may be necessary to distance yourself from that person.

• Build Confidence - Acknowledge your worth. Recognise that your kindness and generosity are valuable. You deserve to be treated with respect and consideration.

• Practice Self-Validation - Affirm your decisions and boundaries. Trust your judgment and reinforce your sense of self-worth.

By implementing these strategies, you can protect your kindness from being exploited while maintaining healthy and respectful relationships.