Doormats

Doormats, in a figurative sense, refer to individuals who are submissive, easily walked over, and allow others to treat them poorly without resistance. They often prioritize the needs and desires of others over their own, lacking self-respect and asserting their boundaries. This behavior stems from low self-esteem, fear of confrontation, or a desire to please others, which, in turn, perpetuates their role. Recognizing and addressing the root causes of being a doormat are crucial steps toward fostering healthy relationships and self-respect.

Doormats meaning with examples

• Sarah was constantly being asked to work overtime by her boss, despite already having a heavy workload. She consistently agreed, afraid to say no, becoming a doormat for her colleagues' tasks. Eventually, her resentment grew, affecting her performance and wellbeing, exemplifying the negative consequences of not setting boundaries.
• He always volunteered for all the community projects and took on responsibilities that weren't even asked of him. He always made sure other people's needs were met at the cost of his own free time, becoming the neighborhood doormat.
• After experiencing emotional abuse, she became a doormat in her subsequent relationships. She would stay in situations that were bad for her in order to avoid confrontation, unable to break free from the familiar pattern of being controlled.
• The employee was a doormat to his manager, often taking the blame for mistakes he didn't make and accepting unfair criticism without defending himself, believing that obedience was the key to keeping his job.
• In her family, she'd always give in to other members' demands and did what was asked of her. She suppressed her own desires, turning herself into a doormat, never prioritising her happiness, but always appeasing others.