People will walk all over you, if you let them. I know from experience. I was once a revolving door, but now I require an access card. I used to reward people without making them work for it. But that’s unfair. You don’t deserve a badge of honor for messing over good people. It’s not about reciprocity. It’s about respect.
If it’s easy for someone to exit a relationship, then they were only one foot in. An alliance with you shouldn’t be an escape room experience, but it should earn one some points. When you’re scoring high on many charts in life, including integrity, honesty, and loyalty, your character is worth a lot. Why wouldn’t you value a relationship that has free benefits and longevity? Jobs can’t even guarantee that anymore.
Don’t just play games, Win them
Relationships are important – even corporations understand that. People do business with people they trust. In this world, trust goes a long way. It can get you access to other important people, money, jobs, loans, and so much more. Only fools fumble good people, which causes them to lose points. And if you haven’t realized it by now, life is like a game of chess. One wrong move can set you back.
You don’t win a game by losing points. And of course, every loss isn’t a loss. However, you should be careful and avoid burning bridges with people who have never done you any wrong. They are a gift from God. Take a look around you and assess all the relationships that dissolved because of misunderstandings, gossip, jealousy, or envy.
Don’t let any of the aforementioned block your blessings. God blesses through people, not popular opinions or feelings. If a friend or family member of yours is doing better than you, then you need to take lessons and move in closer, not farther apart. Information is sometimes hidden or unavailable to common folk, but your friend or family member may have access.
Don’t go back and forth, Deny Access
If you can see the value in yourself, then so should they. People who don’t have the decency to apologize and take accountability for their actions should be taught a lesson. Stop letting people just resurface without an explanation or apology. Yes, they do owe you that if you’ve been nothing but loyal and kind. Forgiveness does not mean reconnect and forget. It erases resentment so you can have peace.
Protect your peace by denying them access to you. You can still be cordial, but you need to stand on business. Otherwise, they will treat you like a revolving door because you have no boundaries. Hold these people accountable by letting them know where they went wrong with you, if you decide to let them back in. But always remember, a zebra cannot change its stripes, and wolves can come in sheep’s clothing.
Always use discernment when dealing with people who have failed the morality test. Deduct history, length of time, and relationship because they will cloud your judgement.
Life is too short to be wasting your good energy and time with ungrateful people.
“To know me is a gift. To receive my love is a blessing. To cross me is a warning. To lose me is a lesson.”
-Bianca A. McCormick-Johnson ✍🏽
Check out my books in the links below:
I’m G.O.O.D. – Volume One
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-good
I’m Still G.O.O.D. – Volume Two
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/im-still-good1
Very powerful message Bianca! As the years pass by…time and time again we notice how people can take our kindness for weakness and overlook our value. It’s not until we set those boundaries that people realize that the door 🚪 that was once open can be shut.