Are You a Doormat?
Life coach Martha Beck says that every woman in the country is socialized to act like a doormat. It doesn't have to be that way!
Martha Beck has put together a checklist for you to determine where you rank on the "doormat" scale.
Do the following statements pertain to you? Answer true or false.
1. I lie about my feelings if the truth might upset someone.
2. I want people to sense it when I've hit my limit, without my having to say anything.
3. I go blank when asked what I want, like, or think.
4. My "to do" list includes things I don't have to do, and things I don't want to do.
5. I eat, cry, smoke, or drink when I'm angry.
6. I sometimes feel quite drained; I explode at my loved ones and then feel terrible about it.
7. I feel panicky about the thought of someone disliking or disapproving of me.
8. I feel virtuous when I override my own needs or wishes to please others.
9. I feel resentful while doing things for other people.
10. I complain about other people's needs and demands when they aren't present.
If you answered true to one of these statements, you need to work on that particular action and reaction.
If you answered true to four or more of these statements, you are definitely a "doormat." You need to work on saying "No"! Take Martha's Advice.
Do the following statements pertain to you? Answer true or false.
1. I lie about my feelings if the truth might upset someone.
2. I want people to sense it when I've hit my limit, without my having to say anything.
3. I go blank when asked what I want, like, or think.
4. My "to do" list includes things I don't have to do, and things I don't want to do.
5. I eat, cry, smoke, or drink when I'm angry.
6. I sometimes feel quite drained; I explode at my loved ones and then feel terrible about it.
7. I feel panicky about the thought of someone disliking or disapproving of me.
8. I feel virtuous when I override my own needs or wishes to please others.
9. I feel resentful while doing things for other people.
10. I complain about other people's needs and demands when they aren't present.
If you answered true to one of these statements, you need to work on that particular action and reaction.
If you answered true to four or more of these statements, you are definitely a "doormat." You need to work on saying "No"! Take Martha's Advice.
Quick Tips
Martha says that there is a way to learn to say "No," and that even the biggest doormat can change her ways. Here's her advice to cure the disease to please.
Find Time for Yourself
Schedule time away from your job, your partner and your children. Use this opportunity to tune in to what you want and need. Don't feel that you're being selfish; you have a responsibility to yourself to take care of your needs.
Buy Time
The next time you're asked to do something, don't answer right away. Say, "Let me think about it," or "I have to take care of something right now. I'll call you back and let you know." This will give you time to evaluate the situation and decide if it's something you truly want to do.
Practice Saying "No"
For many women, saying "No" doesn't come naturally. But practice makes perfect, so start now! In choosing your responses, remember the K.I.S.S. principle: Keep It Short and Simple. You can try it in the mirror, or even walk around the house saying it. Get used to hearing yourself say the word, and then you'll be ready to use it with other people!
More about curing the disease to please:
Martha says that there is a way to learn to say "No," and that even the biggest doormat can change her ways. Here's her advice to cure the disease to please.
Find Time for Yourself
Schedule time away from your job, your partner and your children. Use this opportunity to tune in to what you want and need. Don't feel that you're being selfish; you have a responsibility to yourself to take care of your needs.
Buy Time
The next time you're asked to do something, don't answer right away. Say, "Let me think about it," or "I have to take care of something right now. I'll call you back and let you know." This will give you time to evaluate the situation and decide if it's something you truly want to do.
Practice Saying "No"
For many women, saying "No" doesn't come naturally. But practice makes perfect, so start now! In choosing your responses, remember the K.I.S.S. principle: Keep It Short and Simple. You can try it in the mirror, or even walk around the house saying it. Get used to hearing yourself say the word, and then you'll be ready to use it with other people!
More about curing the disease to please:
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