I get it; I know why you thought you could. I am a nice person who has a hard time saying no to someone. I like to make people happy; it’s who I am. I don’t like to upset people, and you know that. You thought you could manipulate me into saying yes. You thought I was weak, and for a while, I was.

I know was weak. I might have caved a few times. Because I caved, you thought you could continue to use me. The worst part is, I knew you were using me. I knew you were using me, and I still couldn’t say no. You thought you won.

You haven’t won. You might have won a battle, but I will win the war. I have grown; I have learned. It might be hard for me sometimes, but I can, and will, say no. I am stronger than I was before. I am not afraid of you, or anyone else. I am not afraid to upset people anymore.

As much as I want to end right here, I do have to thank you for a few things. I have to thank you for showing me that not everyone is like you. Not everyone will use me like you have. I have to thank you for teaching me to keep my guard up a little longer. Not everyone is trustworthy, and one of my biggest weaknesses is that I thought everyone was. Lastly, I would like to thank you for showing me what a doormat looks like. I’ve picked myself up and dusted off the footprints since then.

I also want to thank the people who helped me get to where I am now. They showed me that I did not have to put up with that kind of treatment, and they were right. I know that I can always go to them when I’m feeling weak again.

That’s the difference between them and you. They genuinely care about me and my well-being. They support me; they aren’t acting or faking. I know they will always be there for me.

The next time you try to use me, I want you to think about what I just said. Hopefully, you’ll rethink your decision. I will continue to move forward and grow up; I suggest you do the same.