Lately I've been thinking about a question: why do some people always get bullied or manipulated?

Later I realized, the root cause is just two words: cowardice.

It's not that being introverted means you're cowardly, but rather that you lack attitude when you should have one, and when you should refuse, you end up explaining a bunch.
The more you explain, the more others think you're in the wrong.
Actually, refusing others is not your fault at all; confidently decline with a brief reason.

I found an interesting phenomenon: when you first meet someone, everyone is very polite because neither side understands the other.
But every interaction, in fact, the other person is testing you.
If they sense that you're more cowardly and have no bottom line, they will escalate.
Once a pattern of "they are strong, you are weak" forms, it's very hard to change.

So even if someone just makes a gentle joke that makes you uncomfortable, you should learn to look at them expressionlessly, making the atmosphere instantly tense.
Let them understand that you are someone with boundaries and a prickly personality.
This is not heartless, but about establishing your position in others' minds.
Any long-term relationship is not built on your submission, but on others' respect for you.

There's also an important detail: don't be easily manipulated.
Some people start by trying to get you to casually close the door or pour a glass of water—seemingly trivial, but actually testing whether you can control things.
If you keep agreeing, their demands will become more and more excessive, and eventually you'll become a pushover, being exploited without gratitude.

Regarding kindness, I’ve changed my view.
The more unconditionally you help others, the more your sincerity seems cheap.
On the other hand, those who are a bit aloof normally, and occasionally lend a hand, are the ones people truly appreciate.
I’ve helped many people, and only later realized a cruel truth:
Helping once means helping for a lifetime; if you don’t help the hundred and first time, they’ll see you as an enemy.

Speak with moderation.
Don’t reveal all your inner thoughts; learn to be ambiguous, using words like "seems," "maybe," "I’m not sure either."
Alternating between certainty and uncertainty makes others unable to read you, so there’s no need for them to extract information from you.

There are two ways to refuse someone.
One is to find an excuse, with a firm and concise tone—don’t stammer or act like you did something wrong.
Most importantly, don’t look at their face when refusing.
The second is to follow the principle of value exchange: when someone asks for help, you can set conditions; if they agree, help them; if they refuse, your refusal is justified.

Some people always say they are unworthy or not, but in fact, there’s no such thing as being worthy or unworthy in this world.
As long as you dare and actively pursue, many wonderful things are worth having.
Stop being the cowardly one. From now on, face your choices boldly.
Try doing things you’ve never done before, approach people you want to talk to—even if you fail, it’s no loss, because you never truly owned it in the first place.

Clearly establish your bottom line and principles, and use actions to firmly uphold them.
Block anyone who doesn’t pay back loans, stay away from negative energy, and put down anyone who bullies you.
Walk with steady steps, turn your head and raise your hand slowly but precisely—this will make people see you as calm and powerful.
Your gaze should be gentle yet firm, not avoiding eye contact or looking away first—this is true confidence.

Consciously control your expressions; don’t show happiness, sadness, or anger on your face.
Avoid using low-energy words like "maybe," "probably," "perhaps," and instead say "I’ll consider it."
Actively admit your flaws; you’ll find that once you acknowledge them, they’re not a big deal.
Saying them out loud will make you feel lighter.

Finally, I want to say: you can offend 99% of the people around you.
Those you can’t afford to offend are not worth your time.
So instead of trying to please everyone, prioritize yourself.
Meaningless socializing is a huge waste of time and has no real value in maintaining relationships.
Don’t be anyone’s emotional trash can; when others complain to you, stay silent.
Remember, you don’t need to please anyone.

There’s an eternal truth in human nature: "The petty fear authority, not virtue."
People who aren’t very kind are surrounded by solid friends because they know how to refuse, ask for what they want, get angry, and of course, give appropriately.
This is not a flaw, but wisdom.