No one intentionally gets walked all over, but it definitely happens.
Without even realising it, you might be sending the message that you’re willing to put your own needs last and sacrifice your own needs and happiness for other people’s. Sadly, there are some not-so-nice people out there who will pounce on this and take advantage of it and you. If you say these things, you’re giving off doormat vibes — you deserve better, so don’t let this keep happening to you!
1. “It’s fine, no worries.”
This phrase is harmless in moderation, but when you use it to dismiss your own needs or concerns, it sends a clear message: you’re willing to let things slide, even when you’re genuinely upset. Over time, this teaches people that your feelings are secondary and can be ignored.
2. “Whatever you want is fine with me.”
While flexibility is admirable, always deferring to someone else’s preferences can make you seem overly accommodating. This tells people that your opinions or desires don’t matter, creating an imbalance in relationships. Expressing what you want doesn’t make you difficult—it makes you authentic.
3. “Sorry for bothering you.”
Apologising before even making a request implies that your needs are an inconvenience. This can encourage people to undervalue your time and contributions. It’s okay to ask for help or express your needs without apologising for taking up space.
4. “I don’t mind, really.”
If you’re constantly insisting you’re okay with everything, people might assume you genuinely have no preferences. It can make it easier for everyone to overlook your needs entirely. Having preferences or boundaries is perfectly healthy and doesn’t make you demanding.
5. “I’ll take care of it.”
While being dependable is a great quality, always volunteering to handle everything signals that you’re willing to shoulder more than your fair share. This can lead to burnout and resentment, especially if everyone begins to rely on you to fix everything.
6. “It’s not a big deal.”
Minimising your feelings or concerns tells everyone that they don’t have to take you seriously. While you might think you’re keeping the peace, this often allows people to continue behaviours that hurt or inconvenience you. Your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to voice them.
7. “You decide—I’m good with whatever.”
Constantly leaving decisions to everyone else can make you appear passive, even if you have an opinion. This might seem polite, but it can leave you feeling sidelined and unimportant. Sharing your preferences shows confidence and encourages mutual respect in decision-making.
8. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
This often comes from a fear of confrontation, but it signals that you’re willing to suppress your needs to avoid conflict. While keeping the peace is tempting, it’s important to stand up for yourself when necessary. Speaking up doesn’t make you a troublemaker—it makes you self-assured.
9. “I can do it, no problem.”
Even when you’re overwhelmed, agreeing to take on extra tasks can make you a target for being overburdened. This phrase, when overused, tells people you’ll always say yes, regardless of your own limits. Learning to say no is essential for maintaining balance and self-respect.
10. “I don’t want to bother you with this.”
By preemptively dismissing your needs, you give everyone around you permission to do the same. This can unintentionally downplay the importance of what you’re asking for. Remember, your concerns deserve attention just as much as anyone else’s.
11. “It’s okay, I’ll manage.”
This says that you’re willing to struggle alone rather than ask for help. While independence is a strength, refusing assistance when you genuinely need it can make people take you for granted. Accepting help doesn’t make you weak—it shows you value your time and energy.
12. “Don’t worry about me.”
While this might seem selfless, it can come across as if you’re saying your needs don’t matter. Over time, this encourages everyone to prioritise their own needs over yours. It’s okay to ask for consideration and expect mutual effort in your relationships.
13. “I’ll just make it work.”
When you consistently adapt to everyone else’s needs, it signals that your own plans and boundaries are flexible to the point of non-existence. This can make people assume you’ll always accommodate them, regardless of your own priorities. Setting limits shows you respect yourself and your time.
14. “I’m fine, don’t worry about it.”
If you use this phrase to brush off genuine hurt or discomfort, you’re signalling that your feelings are unimportant. This can create a dynamic where people feel no obligation to address your needs. Acknowledging your emotions and asking for support strengthens your confidence and relationships.
15. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
While prioritising other people’s happiness can be kind, saying this too often suggests that your own happiness is secondary. Healthy relationships require balance, where both people’s needs are valued. Your happiness matters just as much as anyone else’s.
16. “Let me know if you need anything.”
While offering support is thoughtful, constantly putting everyone else first can reinforce a pattern of over-giving. When used too often, this can set you up to be the go-to person for everyone else’s problems. It’s okay to offer help, but don’t forget to set boundaries to protect your time and energy.
