Being Taken Advantage Of.
- Ryan Jentsch
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
These days, I no longer find myself being taken advantage of. It used to happen a lot, though. As I grew older, I discovered my voice. I notice many people around me who are taken advantage of; some are aware but indifferent, while others care but lack the courage to speak up, much like I was in my younger years. After high school, I became friends with someone I thought was a good buddy for many years. Eventually, I realized my dad was right, and I was wrong—this "friend" was so unhappy with his own life that he would bring others down to feel better about himself. A real piece of work. Now, I no longer tolerate being treated that way, having spoken up years ago. However, my better half still faces this issue, being taken advantage of frequently by one particular person.

I guess I will never understand why people think they don't have a voice? I will never understand why people don't speak up? Then again when I think about it I guess I do...
It ultimately boils down to fear. At least, that's how I'm going to interpret it. That's why I never spoke up. Back then, it was fear of getting beaten up. Nowadays, I imagine it would still be fear, but fear of words instead.
For my better half, her issue is two fold. She doesn't say no, which is her own fault and she's to damn nice.
Words nowadays can indeed be harsh, often carrying a weight that can deeply affect our emotions and self-esteem. However, it is crucial to remember that, at their core, they are still just words. They hold power, but that power can be both constructive and destructive depending on how we choose to interpret and respond to them. Imagine for a moment if each of us, as individuals, were to actually speak up every single time we felt dismissed or belittled regarding an idea we had, no matter how big or small. How many opportunities would we have seized? How much further ahead in our personal and professional lives would we be right now if we had found the courage to voice our thoughts and stand firm in our beliefs? When we consider the implications of remaining silent, it becomes clear that we often miss out on valuable discussions, collaborations, and innovations. Each time we hold back our ideas due to fear of criticism or rejection, we not only stifle our own growth but also potentially deprive others of our unique perspectives. The act of speaking up can lead to rich dialogues, inspire creativity, and foster an environment where diverse thoughts are celebrated rather than shunned. Furthermore, the ability to articulate our ideas confidently can significantly impact our careers and relationships. It can open doors to new opportunities, lead to mentorships, and create networks of support that propel us forward. Reflecting on this, one might ask: how many brilliant ideas have been left unspoken? How many potential breakthroughs have been hindered by a lack of communication? The reality is that every time we choose to remain silent in the face of adversity, we limit not only our own potential but also the collective potential of those around us. In conclusion, while words can be harsh, they also can be a powerful tool for change. Embracing the courage to speak up can transform our lives and the lives of those around us, propelling us toward a future filled with possibilities that we might never have imagined otherwise.
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