My whole life, I have been a doormat. A "doormat" is someone who lets every person in their life (exclude close family) tell them what to do, or take advantage of their friendship. I am guilty of this... very, very guilty of this. Here is actual footage of how I let people treat me:

After my last relationship, I realized that me, being the doormat that I am, didn't help the fact that I was being abused. It is actually easier to fall into abusive relationships because people like me trust way too easy and try to gain the love of others.

It took me twenty years, but I finally took the initiative to stop letting anyone in my life run over me and I learned a whole lot.

1. Real friends stay

It is a harsh truth to carry, but it is one that we all have to learn someday. In friendships, I would let myself be the emotional crutch for the other person. I would listen to every single problem they had. Then, when it came to me I never got the same in return unless it was a couple of sentences and then silence.

2. Relationships become healthier

I know you are thinking that this is a no-brainer, but I had to learn this. My boyfriend, Jordan, and I talk about everything. If I am doing something that bothers him, he tells me and vise-versa. That's how relationships are supposed to be. It should be two people having a conversation and growing together.

3. You set goals for yourself

I finally stopped worrying about what everyone else wanted from me. I sat down with myself, quite literally, and thought about it. What do I want and why haven't I tried to get it yet? Oh yeah, because I tossed myself aside so I could put everyone else first.

4. You deserve to be a priority

I learned very quickly that I needed to love myself too, which means telling yourself that you deserve attention too. It isn't selfish and it isn't rude. You deserve to be cared for and listened to just as much as anyone else.

5. I love my family so, so much

Holy cow, the biggest lesson I learned was that I love my family immensely. I learned to listen to them with a whole new perspective and to really trust their wisdom. I may be biased, but I do have the best family. Sorry about it.