Good thread. I wonder if there is anyone out there who can honestly say they have never been taken advantage of. We all have a limit in which we will bend I think. Some of us I am sure get taken advantage of more than others - and it bloody well isn't fair. Would seeking out a way to increase your assertiveness be at all practical? Is there another person who you could have be on your side or even advocate for you? Ultimately, as a poster above wisely suggested, you may have to cut such people out of your day to day life.