Dis-respect

A common "truth" of those that give and give and give, and well, give: you will ultimately feel used at one point.

This does not only apply to those who consider themselves a door mat. If you are in the profession or have the personality to heal, people will be running to you for “advice,” “help,” a place to vent without any sense of paying it back.

This does not take away your worth.

If anything, it tells you how much you are valued. They are essentially saying, "I know you are valuable, but I don't understand how much."

However, it’s not your responsibility to convince or chase them. When they understand your value, they will contact you. No need to spend unnecessary energy.

So the next time you hear any of these:

“…But contact me in a week, I may be ready.”

“We should have coffee sometime.” (But never contact you)

“Contact me (this day) to see if I’m free.”

This is your exit door my friend.

These things are usually said as a way to string you along. They don't want to commit, but they also don't want you to go away. (Do you see how this works?)

Those that do value you will say:

"But next week looks better. Why don't we talk then?"

"Let's have coffee next week. Maybe Tuesday?"

"Let me look at my schedule and get back to you."

Yes, you may have to follow up, but they are sharing some of the responsibility in moving things forward. They are not placing sole responsibility on you.

And you may say, "But I need the contact." "I need the business." Or even if your personal life, "I need this relationship."

If you're doing the heavy-lifting from the beginning, you are setting the tone of your business or personal relationship. Do not trade your self-respect for anything.

Those that truly value and respect you will return on their own.