I would classify myself as a pushover. Webster’s dictionary defines “a pushover” as being someone who is “easy to persuade or influence.” I am a pushover because I constantly have the desire to help others. The only downside of this is that it can easily cause people to manipulate or take advantage of me.

Most people tend to act out of their own self-interest. As a pushover, this tendency can be difficult to deal with because it is in my nature to feel a sense of guilt or remorse when I don’t follow what the other person is asking of me. If someone needs a favor there is no doubt in their minds that I will help them. I am always willing to help. Whether it is simply giving someone a ride somewhere or going to an event I strongly do not want to go to, I find myself agreeing with the choices others have made for me. Although this isn’t always considered to be a “bad thing,” I’ve noticed that it never gives me the chance to “hold my ground.” I never get the chance to defend my own principles.

Never having the chance to stand my ground can make certain aspects of my life more difficult than they need to be, especially as a college student. In college, making decisions for myself and not allowing other people to influence my judgment is vital. College consists of a wide array of people with diverse personalities and if I fail to not allow others to influence my decisions, I will lose who I am as a person. I will lose my sense of self and like Halloween, losing yourself can be scary.

So as a college student who is accustomed to letting people influence my decisions, “walk all over me,” and take advantage of my desire to help them, I confess to being a pushover. I agree that I allow others to “push” me around way too often. I agree that I continuously say “yes” to situations where I should have said “no.” I agree that I suppress my feelings in order to please others. I agree that I avoid confrontation because I don't want to hurt someone else's feelings. I agree that I always want to see the best in others instead of realizing that people tend to only care about themselves.

To all the pushovers in the world, listen up! It is time for us to stop allowing other people control us. Next time someone uses you solely for a favor, say "no." Don't do everything people ask of you because saying "no" does not make you a bad person. Saying no does not mean that you don't want to help people. Saying no simply means that you are taking into consideration what is best for you and that is perfectly OK.

So, don't be like me. Don't be a pushover because over time, it can end up pushing you over the edge.