Kathy The Coach

  • Home
  • About Kathy
    • Testimonials
    • Media
  • Blog
    • Read Ask Coach Kathy
    • Watch Coach Kathy’s Clips
  • Contact
  • Relationship Coaching
    • Relationship Coaching Fees and Policies
    • What is Relationship Coaching?
  • Become a Coach
  • Speaking
    • Workplace Communication and workshops to build team relationships
    • Kathy Dawson’s Media Appearances
  • Books
  • Free Resources
    • 15 Dates Ideas for Life During Covid
    • 10 Sample Love Texts
    • Free Download: Top 10 Tips for Long Lasting Relationships
    • Free: Family Meeting Guidelines to Improve your relationships
    • 10 Rules of Dating
    • Ask a Relationship Coach – Ask Coach Kathy your Question
Kathy Dawson, Relationship Coach

October 21, 2022 By Kathy Dawson Leave a Comment

How to Speak Up When You Feel Like a Doormat in Your Relationship

I believe one of the reasons my wife fell in love with me 25 years ago is because I am a very chill guy who is accommodating to her wants and needs. Most of the time I’ll go along with my wife’s ideas. Lately, though, I’m feeling a little taken advantage of by her. When I ask to do something I want to do, she somehow gets me to agree with whatever she would like to do instead. I’m feeling taken advantage of and a bit of a doormat. What do I do to change this?

My guess is your wife is so used to you going along with what she wants so often that she may in fact assume that will be the case indefinitely. If you sit around waiting for her to have an epiphany that your habit of accommodating her has changed, you may be waiting for a long time. I’m a believer in teaching people how to treat us. The key is clear communication and consistency in the message.

Your wife may be a bit jarred by this because she’s not used to hearing you stand your ground for what you would like, but that’s exactly what you need to do, in a kind way, of course. Delivering your message by saying, “This desire is important to me and I would like you to honor my request. Would you do that?” Your wife may be shocked in the moment because she is not used to you responding to her in this assertive way, but I would bet she will go along with your request.

You’ll feel good about speaking up for yourself and your wife will feel good for not usually getting what she wants. 


Do you have sensitive issues in your relationships that you need help with? Ask Coach Kathy about it. Submit your question to Coach Kathy using the form below:

Spread the love
        

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free eBook!

Pandemic Dates from Kathy DawsonClick here to get your copy!

About Kathy

Kathy Dawson, the leading relationship coach in Northeast Ohio, provides an alternative or supplement to marriage counseling by helping married and engaged couples, as well as divorced and single people, improve their lives by improving their relationships. Kathy specializes in:
  • Couples Coaching
  • Individual Coaching
  • Phone Coaching
  • Skype Coaching

    • Call Kathy at (216) 536-8964 today to find out more about how she can help you and your relationship!
dating advice website Read Kathy's Interview with DatingAdvice.com

Connect With Kathy

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Family Meetings Guideline Ebook

Stop the chaos and hurt feelings during family discussions. Learn how to have productive family meetings with this free guide.
Kathy Dawson Relationship Coach in Cleveland Ohio

Change This One Word In Your Relationship

It’s easy to get caught up in the differences we have with our partners. We focus on the things that make us unique and forget to celebrate them. In this episode of Coach Kathy’s Clips, Kathy talks about how by making one change to the language we use, we can embrace those unique qualities in our mates […]

rules of dating

10 Rules of Dating

Rule #1Your date with your mate must be a minimum of 1-1/2 hour long. Rule #2You and your mate must be together alone on your date, without children, family or … Read all the rules...

Kathy’s Books

104 Dates In And Around ClevelandCleveland Couples Diagnosis Married

Copyright © 2023 · Kathy Dawson