IMO, the one and perhaps only thing (besides a spiritual awakening) that can help a person cope with others and make a relationship work well is SELF RESPECT or SELF-ESTEEM work.
Folks with good/healthy self esteem/respect can handle dysfunctional others quite well.
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Originally Posted by Eleny
I'm a huge people pleaser and find people often walk all over me.
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That happens when we don't have enough self respect and cannot stand up for our self.
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I've recently moved into a new house and my new housemate talks ALOT and never listens to me.
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Because you don't have enough self respect to request or even DEMAND her attention. Self esteem work will show you how to deal with such a one-sided person.
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This is a recurring pattern in my life (Interestingly, this is the same relationship I have with my dad. He needs a lot of attention and talks a lot, but doesn't ever listen when I talk) but I've had enough.
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If you have truly "had enough", I'd research: self esteem, self respect, relationship skills and anything that might teach you to get a back bone.
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After my housemate left for work today my head was sore and I felt drained, angry and upset. I can't go on like this but I don't know how to make it stop.
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You just need a few effective coping skills and strategies to both handle others and handle your own reactions to them (upset, angry, drained).
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I need to put myself first but I also share a space with this girl so will inevitably be spending time with her. What should I do?? Any advice would be great.
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I'd get a few books about self esteem and relationships, go on line or get into a CODA support group (google it). If this has something to do with childhood conditioning by a dysfunctional parent (your dad), you may also need the hep of a counselor as well as some support group but the bottom line is to LEARN HOW to deal with others and your self - ASAP. good luck