Here is a truth:

Partners, friends, family, work colleagues etc. can only ever take advantage of you if you allow it to happen.

You see, when people do this kind of stuff to you, they just don't respect you because they know they can get away with everything, that there are zero consequences to their actions. Yes, using and abusing someone is a very immature and shitty thing to do.

But there is no one holding them accountable for this shit behavior and shit actions.

And because you don't hold them accountable and there are no consequences on your part, they don't respect you because you do not assert your boundaries and standards.

So to stop feeling like a doormat, know your standards and set and assert boundaries right off the bat.

Some examples of healthy boundaries and standards are:

  • 'I am not obligated to give other people what they want and have the right to say no at all times'

  • 'My personal space must be respected at all times'

  • 'I hold people who hurt me or do me wrong accountable so that they know their behavior is wrong and shit'

  • 'It is not my responsibility to fix or take care of other people who are adult and perfectly healthy'

  • 'I do not tolerate cheating, lying and abuse'

  • 'Nobody is entitled to my attention, affection, love and presence'

For many, the reason why they often get taken advantage of is a deeper psychological problem that has to do with low self-esteem and a toxic environment.

They find it difficult to say no or reject others because they care too much and because they do not view themselves as equal to others.

What solves this problem is therapy or something as simple as replacing self-limiting beliefs with self-empowering beliefs.

Here are some tips to improve your self esteem and be more respected by others:

  • Cut out toxic people from your life.

Im talking about haters and naysayers who don't believe in and consciously make life worse for you.

Just block and delete their infos and stop interacting with them altogether. Remember that sometimes, nothing you ever do or say will make them respect you. If they happen to be your family members, love them from a distance.

  • View yourself as equal to everyone else.

Regardless of your socioeconomic status, your height, your looks, your age, skincolor etc., you are and will always be an equal to everyone else, even if others involve their ego and disagree with that. Because when we look at it objectively, social status and all that only exists as thought structures and beliefs in our minds.

  • Lift weights and work out.

We live in an era of instant gratification and materialism. Many people are simply too lazy to think critically and to see things for what they truly are. As such, they are easily fooled and manipulated by appearances and shiny things.

Therefore, you will have an easier time when you are charismatic and look strong and healthy. Others will be much more likely to respect you right off the bat when they see you are physically stronger than them.

All this comes down to the halo-effect.

The halo-effect is when we associate everything positive and good genes with a pleasant to look at appearance. This is why very attractive people often receive the benefit of the doubt and get away with abuse, harmful/toxic behavior and sometimes even with crime.

Edit: added 2 more important points.

  • Don't compromise yourself.

Especially during arguments, it is important to hold eye contact and have dynamic as well solid body language.

  • Understand the psychology of grown infants and bullies.

Grown infants are basically little kids in a grown mans or grown womans body. They can be of any age and typically wont respect you, no matter what you say or do.

For some reason, they have a lot of trouble controlling their emotions and emotional impulses. As such, they are oblivious to their surroundings, will often make things personal and will always demand attention from others.

Bullies are very similar to these grown infants. Deep down, they feel small and inferior. And by bullying someone else, they gain a feeling of pride, power and control by belittling and verbally or physically abusing their target.

The best way to deal with such people is to not take anything they do or say personally and to not react to it (unless they come too close or physically threaten you), because this is what they want. Becoming reactive to their provocations will give them power and control over you.

So if they belittle you via a joke for example, exegerate. Agree with them in a sarcastic manner and with a stoic facial expression. Often times, this will make the bully look like an asshole to others and also self-conscious.