When making friends is tough, we can be tempted to put up with anything, just to have a friend. I've been there, done that. It can seem like anyone is better than no one. That is how we set ourselves up for experiences that wound. These so-called "friends" notice our weakness, fear and vulnerability. They get pushy because they think we'll tolerate anything. Our response might be to try harder to be nicer. That just invites more disrespect.

You say that you responded to an abusive ex because you wanted to be "polite." That's like wearing a tee-shirt that says, "Kick me, and I'll grovel at your feet." or "Abuse me, and I'll lick your hand." Maybe one of your parents taught you that being "polite" and "nice" is what's most important in life. It isn't. You separated from your ex for very good reasons. That should have been the end of him being in your life. But you felt you needed him because "how else would you get home?" That is a case of wrong-headed neediness. Sometimes it's better to make your own way, even if that means walking 10 miles. If you're going to depend on low-quality persons to meet your needs, you are going to be in one jam after another.

These persons don't respect you, partly because they believe you don't respect yourself. That's the signal you give off when you tolerate miserable behavior. They're not going to change. Who they are is who they are. Get away from people like that. At the very least, depend on them for nothing. You won't have room in your life for worthwhile people, until you stop spending time and energy on jerks. You have a right to notice that someone is a jerk. It dosn't mean you have to attack them. Just put more distance between them and you. I realize it could get very lonely without your one-and-only friend. Being lonely won't kill you. It's the short-term price you pay to maintain your dignity and to be open to a better class of friends. Crap friends are the easiest kind to find. At some level, you've been telling yourself that you better just take what you can easily get. That's a good way to not get near better people. Plus, it gets you branded as being of not much value, yourself.

You sound young. Think about getting further education or training in something that will lead to a decent job. It's a great way to meet people worth knowing. Also, it could lead to you earning enough income to be able to buy a car of your own. You want to increase your independence and not feel your needs can only be met by you begging other people to help you.