You Don't Have to Let People Push You Around

“Extortion sounds like a term reserved for criminal behavior, but in daily life, it can also occur when people take advantage of others. Rather than having money literally extracted from you by someone who demands you pay up or face negative consequences, interpersonal extortion can occur when one person sets you up to depend on them for some type of reward.

How to Pull Out From Under

Knowing that the person who tries to exact your cooperation by making you pay if you defect has a 4 out of 10 chance of seeming to be doing this to your benefit can help you decide when it’s time to bail from this relationship. If it’s a boss, the situation can be complicated if you know you’re replaceable, which can lead employees to continue to work in less than optimal conditions for years at a time. The remedy when your livelihood depends on it involves a high degree of risk, but it may be worth it in terms of your mental health. Indeed, in a job market in which employers are having trouble filling their posts, this could be an ideal time to explore this option.

In your relationships, such as with that friend who leaves you hanging while you await their confirmation of a response or request, there is a different set of choices. Letting your friend know that you are ready to “defect” by refusing to go along with this treatment could help recalibrate the power imbalance back in your favor. This defection could take the form of not accepting excuses anymore or making plans independently of this person when they refuse to confirm a date.”

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today

🌿Discussion: It’s important and possible to convert an imbalance relationship into a balanced one. When others take advantage of you, it can be challenging. It can impact you emotionally and if it’s a work relationship, financially. To retain your contentment and wellbeing, the healthiest thing to do is set your own terms.

🌿Reflection: Have you ever had an imbalanced relationship in which you felt like you were made to be a push-over?

#Psychology #Interpersonal #How-to #Relationships