11 Glaring Signs You’re Being Taken Advantage Of

Ever had the sensation that you're constantly subjected to the universe's relentless blows, regularly being exploited by almost everyone? Well, you're not alone in this experience. Whether it's your romantic partner, your closest friend, or even your boss, the struggle of falling victim to manipulation is something universally encountered. We've all found ourselves in such situations, whether we openly admit it or not.

You might wonder, "Why does this pattern persist?" It's a valid question. Is it due to bad luck or some form of cosmic retribution? In reality, the answer is a tad more intricate, but there's no need to fret.

By delving into the intricacies of human psychology, we aim to decipher the underlying reasons and put an end to people exploiting you.

Understanding the psychology behind why we allow others to take advantage of us is one aspect of the equation. However, recognizing the warning signs in real-time situations is a completely different challenge. Fortunately, we're here to provide you with some unmistakable indicators to be on the lookout for.

# Walking on Eggshells Constantly

If you catch yourself mentally rehearsing conversations before having them or if even the slightest exhalation from your partner induces anxiety, you're in a perpetual state of walking on eggshells. The ongoing effort to evade your partner's disapproval keeps you emotionally confined, rendering you more susceptible to exploitation. Furthermore, this gradual erosion of your self-esteem is a daily ordeal.

# One-Sided Affection or Effort

Have you ever perused your call log and realized that it's always you who initiates the calls? Perhaps you find yourself consistently organizing dates, making thoughtful gestures, or initiating basic conversations. When the scales tip so dramatically, it's not really a mutual relationship; you're leading a one-person effort parade, and guess what, you're the grand marshal.

# Unspoken Expectations

Imagine this scenario: You're expected to pick them up from the airport without question, yet it's difficult to recall the last time they did something for you without a sigh or an eye-roll. It's as though you've become an all-in-one service provider without signing a formal contract, and the most disheartening part is that your partner acts like this is the natural order of things.

# Keeping Score

Have you ever heard something along the lines of, "Well, I did this for you, so now you owe me"? If you're not engaged in scorekeeping, but they are, you're in a troublesome situation. This tit-for-tat dynamic transforms every favor into a transaction rather than a genuine expression of love or friendship. Such scorekeeping fosters a power imbalance, intentionally keeping you indebted and making you an easier target for exploitation.

# Expected to Drop Everything

Your phone buzzes, and there they are – your significant other. They urgently need something, and they need it now. Perhaps they're locked out and need you to leave work to let them in, or they want to vent about their day right when you're overwhelmed with your own. In essence, if they anticipate you to be at their beck and call, your own life takes a backseat, and frankly, this epitomizes being taken advantage of.

# The One-Sided Listener

We've all experienced this. You serve as the shoulder to cry on, the ear for venting, and the person they turn to for advice. However, when it's your turn, suddenly they're too busy to listen. While it's nice to be seen as wise, if you're constantly the counselor without receiving emotional support in return, you're being exploited. It becomes a one-way street of emotional labor, indicating you're being used rather than valued.

# The Eternal Sponsor

If your wallet is seeing more action than a squirrel near a bird feeder, exercise caution. This extends beyond generosity and enters the realm of Social Exchange Theory imbalance. If you're consistently expected to foot the bill, you're more of a sponsor than a genuine friend or partner.

# The Invisible Employee

Does your boss adore your ideas but consistently forget your name during team meetings? This relates to power dependency theory. You're not an invisible employee; you're a valuable asset that isn't receiving the recognition it deserves.

# The Planner and the Ghost

If you're always the one formulating plans, sending messages, and then facing unresponsiveness, be cautious. Psychologists refer to this as 'social loafing,' and it signifies that you're being taken for granted rather than being taken seriously.

# The Guilt Trip Guru

Is someone making you feel like a terrible person for saying no? That's emotional blackmail, designed to make you doubt your worth and choices. It's another method of being exploited.

# The Last-Minute Hero

Have you ever noticed that you're only the go-to person when all other options have been exhausted? This ties into the psychology of the availability heuristic, where you're the convenient choice rather than the preferred one. It's time to question whether you're a priority or an afterthought.