Two quotes from Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius, I would like to put here that might help you. But first, you need to take a stand if people are walking over you. I don't know the extent of your problems so I can't give direct advice as you have to understand the correct actions to take and the level of intensity of these actions.
For example, there's a difference between communicating with someone how you feel they are treating you and you do it from a genuine and mature manner, then there's making someone feel like they are the worst person on earth for not being aware of .how they're treating you when all it is is about favors.
The quotes I hope that will help you,
" If an action or utterance is appropriate, then it's appropriate for you. Don't be distracted. Don't be put off by other people's comments and criticism. If it's right to say or do it, then it's the right thing for you to do or say.
The others obey then your own lead [like a dog-leash], follow their own impulses. Don't be distracted. Keep walking. Follow your own nature, and follow Nature [a dedicated Zevist's routine]-- along the road they share.
[a side note: besides the every day advice it gives for mundane tasks I feel it is speaking to the initiates and the last part fits with the idea that ToZ is the "road". but that's besides the point]
"Some people, when they do someone a favor, are always looking for a chance to call it in. And some aren't, but they're still aware of it -- still regard it as a debt. But others don't even do that. They're like a vine that produces grapes without looking for anything in return.
A horse at the end of a race...
A dog when the hunt is over...
A bee with it's honey stored...
And a human being after helping others.
They don't make a fuss about it. They just go on to something else, as the vine looks forward to bearing fruit again in season.
We should be like that. Acting almost unconsciously.
--Yes. Except conscious of it. Because of it's characteristic of social beings that they see themselves acting socially. And they expect their neighbors to see it too!
That's true. But you're misunderstanding me. You'll wind up like the people I mentioned before, misled by plausible reasoning. But if you make an effort to understand what I'm saying, then you won't need to worry about neglecting your social duty."
