How to Not Be Anyone's Bitch

Do you ever feel stretched thin? Have you ever wanted to be at a million places at be, or at least be able to schedule three to four appointments in a day?

As mentioned in a previous post, I've learned that traffic can be horrible this side of the hill, maddeningly so. As much as I want to be at three places in one day, it may not be physically possible - and not because I can't get myself there. It's just moving mountains - literal and figurative - is impossible. It's not worth making yourself sick and definitely not worth being anyone's bitch over.

Where does this apply?

1. Friends and family. If you feel like you're putting in a lot more effort than a friend of family member to make your relationship existent, let alone functional, maybe it's time to scale back and evaluate the state of your union. Whether you express this to them is your choice, but chances are actions will speak louder than words.

2. Work. Never, ever, ever go without a break unless it's imperative to a looming deadline and your teammates or otherwise are following suit. Ensure the legality of your right to a break, but also, your value decreases the more strain put upon yourself. Prioritize; say no, pass tasks down; push back. If anything, this can be considered "taking initiative" on your next review.

3. Places of business. Any establishment that requires money for a service can be questioned based on what is provided. If a package is late, or you were double charged on a credit card, call up and (cordially) express concern and what would rectify the issue. This includes banks, online retailers, in store mislabeling, and print advertising.

4. Significant others/new potential partners. It's 2015; let's be real - two halves do not make a whole when it comes to relationships. Respect and trust comes from self ownership and responsibility. Undue stress from being all things to one person has all the makings of being their bitch, and that's the stuff resentment is made of. That's the stuff that kills relationships, no matter how in love or infatuated you are.

Your time is valuable. Your health is valuable. You are valuable. Sorry to spill the tea, but to be all things to all people is a waste of vitality and space. It is not cute, it is not healthy. To paraphrase Mark Twain, be death and taxes' bitch, but all else is extra. I repeat: no one will love or pay you more for being their bitch. Comandeer your life, and you can be sure the rest will follow.

See you tomorrow...