It feels good when you do something right for other people, but unfortunately, some of them are going to take advantage of your kindness especially when they know you will not do something about their unfair treatment.
However, everything has a limitation. It isn’t all the time that people get away with everything. When your kindness is being taken advantage of, you need to know where to draw the line.
How to steer clear of people who take advantage of your kindness?
1. Don’t let the situation steal your integrity.
Getting into a situation wherein the person has obviously taken advantage of your kindness may lead you to give up your integrity. However, this will not improve the situation. In fact, it will only bring out the worst in you. Just because an individual chooses to act without integrity does not mean you should do the same thing. You can still assert yourself without necessarily giving up your integrity.
2. Prepare for the worst.
Things often don’t turn as planned. This is why you should be prepared ahead of time so your mind will not be clouded with frustration and disappointment. It is normal to be upset of the situation but when you have managed your expectations, you will reduce the negative feelings. While it is always a good thing to hope for the best, it is also better to prepare for the worst.
3. Never lose self-control.
It is easy to lose your grip when you are caught off guard, but it will do you no good. You will not become victorious even when you rave and rant. However, taking the situation calmly even when you have not obtained a fair resolution will still give you peace of mind at the end of the day.
4. Accept your imperfection.
Being aware of your imperfection will help you let go of the situation. There might be times that you have also taken advantage of other people. If you don’t want other people to take advantage of you, avoid taking advantage of others as well.
5. Forgive and move on.
Holding a grudge will not improve the situation and will only worsen your feelings towards the person. If you learn to forgive, you will feel better. Forgiveness is not a sign of defeat but a great way of accepting the situation bravely.
