Teach People How To Treat You

“Can I make you more comfortable as you insult me?”

So, I’ve never actually said that. Yet, my behavior in the past might have communicated that. You see, I’m a recovering people pleaser. While I still aim to make my interactions with others positive, I don’t do so at my own expense. 

I used to pride myself in being able to experience the emotions in the room and take ownership of them. When less-than-best behavior happened, I’d absorb it … even endure it. I’m a Marine, after all … I can take it.

Strength, in my mind, used to mean being unemotional in the face of toxicity. I could always keep my cool while others lost theirs. (Rudyard Kipling would be so proud!) 

But, I’ve changed. So has my perspective. My real strength is still keeping my cool. But to add to that, I’m now courageous in communicating what’s acceptable behavior and what’s not. Pushing this idea further, it’s not just about me, it’s for the benefit of others. 

In other words, I’m teaching people how to treat me and the people I care deeply about: friends, family, colleagues, and partners.

I can’t help but wonder how much better our world would be if more of us were to say: “You can’t talk to me, or anyone else, like this.” And, then be very clear about what’s acceptable, and what isn’t.

Communicating boundaries can be uncomfortable. Try these actions in order to feel as if you’re growing your confidence in doing so.

Here are Four Ways to Teach People How to Treat You. (Read More)

Angie (Morgan) Witkowski is the NY Times Best-Selling author of SPARK, Leading from the Front, and Bet on You. She's a leadership coach, talk show host, and keynote speaker whose service in the United States Marine Corps inspires much of her work.  Learn more about Angie