How to Deal with People Who Treat You Like Their Pet

The HashTag Magazine
5 min readDec 26, 2023

“Enough is enough!”

This might be the thought echoing in your mind if you’ve ever found yourself in the perplexing position of being treated like someone’s pet.

It’s an odd and often overlooked social dynamic, where you’re not exactly disrespected, but certainly not treated as an equal either.

You’re there for convenience, for comfort, maybe even for show — but not as a fully-fledged participant in the relationship.

This article isn’t just a guide; it’s a wake-up call.

It’s about recognizing this subtle yet significant issue and arming yourself with the tools to break free from the leash of condescension and reclaim your rightful place as an equal in your relationships.

Recognizing the Signs

Before you can address being treated like a pet, it’s crucial to recognize the signs.

This treatment often involves a lack of boundaries, where the other person feels entitled to make decisions for you, disregards your opinions, or expects constant availability and attention.

It’s a relationship marked by imbalance, where your needs and desires are secondary to theirs.

Setting Boundaries

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The HashTag Magazine

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