Tired of feeling like people walk all over you? The truth is, your words can give off way more “doormat vibes” than you realize. If you want to stop being the go-to person for everyone’s demands, it’s time to cut these phrases from your vocabulary. Here are 15 things you’ve got to stop saying if you don’t want people thinking they can get away with anything around you.
1. “It’s Okay, No Worries”
When someone crosses a line or flakes on you and you shrug it off with, “It’s okay, no worries,” you’re giving them a free pass. Sure, you don’t want to stir the pot, but sometimes it’s necessary to let people know when they’ve messed up. Constantly letting things slide tells others you don’t respect your own boundaries.
2. “I Don’t Mind, Whatever You Want”
Saying, “I don’t mind” all the time basically screams, “Your opinion matters more than mine.” You’re allowed to have your own preferences. Whether it’s where to eat or what movie to watch, always leaving decisions to others signals that you’re fine being a passenger in your own life. Speak up and claim your space.
3. “Sorry, I’m Just…”
Stop apologizing for things that don’t need an apology. Whether it’s “Sorry, I’m just asking a question” or “Sorry, I’m just tired,” you’re constantly shrinking yourself to avoid being seen as a bother. You don’t need to apologize for existing. Own your space and speak without feeling like you have to cushion it with a bunch of “sorrys.”
4. “I Guess That’s Fine”
Saying, “I guess that’s fine” when something clearly isn’t just sets you up for more frustration. It’s like handing someone permission to ignore your feelings. If it’s not fine, say so. You’re not avoiding conflict; you’re just bottling it up. And that’s going to blow up in your face later. Be clear about what you’re actually okay with.
5. “I’ll Do It Myself”
When you’re the person who always says, “I’ll do it myself,” you’re basically telling everyone they don’t need to lift a finger because you’ve got it covered. Then you probably wonder why you’re burnt out. Stop taking on everything just because it’s easier to do it yourself. Delegating isn’t a weakness—it’s a power move.
6. “I Don’t Want to Bother You, But…”
You’re not a bother, and asking for help or clarifying something doesn’t make you a nuisance, so why start every request by apologizing for it? You’re entitled to ask for what you need without feeling like you’re inconveniencing the entire world. Drop the “bother” talk and just get to the point with confidence.
7. “If That’s Okay with You”
Why do you need someone else’s permission to make a decision? Saying “if that’s okay with you” all the time sends the message that your choices don’t stand unless they’re validated by someone else. If you’ve made a decision, own it. Stop waiting for everyone else to give you the green light.
8. “I’m Fine” (When You’re Clearly Not)
We all know what “I’m fine” really means. It’s code for “I’m not fine, but I don’t want to make a scene.” Constantly brushing off your feelings just to keep the peace isn’t doing you any favors. If something’s bothering you, address it. Otherwise, you’re going to end up simmering in silence and resentment.
9. “I’ll Make It Work”
Are you really going to make it work, or are you just setting yourself up to overextend? Saying “I’ll make it work” when you’re already overwhelmed is a one-way ticket to burnout. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Protect your time and energy by learning when to say, “I can’t make that happen right now.”
10. “I’ll Let It Go”
Letting it go is fine when it’s small stuff, but if you’re constantly saying this to avoid tough conversations, you’re not letting it go—you’re burying it. Over time, that’s going to build up until you can’t take it anymore. Speak up when something really matters, or you’ll end up being the one who’s stuck with the fallout.
11. “Whatever You Need”
Always saying “whatever you need” is a fast track to being seen as the person who’s *always* available. Helping people is great, but if you’re constantly bending over backward to accommodate everyone else in your life, you’re basically telling them that your needs don’t matter. Learn to say, “I can’t right now” without feeling guilty.
12. “I’ll Figure It Out”
If you’re the person who always says, “I’ll figure it out,” even when it’s not your problem, you’re setting yourself up to be everyone’s go-to fixer. Stop taking on problems that aren’t yours to solve. It’s okay to let other people figure out their own messes instead of always swooping in to save the day.
13. “It Doesn’t Matter”
Saying, “It doesn’t matter” when it clearly does is a recipe for resentment. You’re essentially telling people, “Go ahead and ignore my feelings.” When you tell people it’s okay to walk all over you, they will. Stop downplaying what’s important to you just to avoid conflict. If it matters to you, speak up—your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be heard.
14. “I’ll Be There, No Problem”
If you’re saying “I’ll be there” to every single invitation or request, even when you don’t want to go, you’re setting yourself up to be everyone’s personal doormat. It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time. Prioritize your own needs and say no when you’re not feeling it.
15. “It’s Not a Big Deal”
If you’re constantly saying, “It’s not a big deal,” you’re telling people that they can walk all over you without consequences. If something upsets you, don’t brush it off to keep the peace. Speak up when it counts—people will respect you more for it. Downplaying your own feelings only teaches others to do the same.
