It's not a good feeling to get used by a friend, a family member, or a partner.You can be used by someone if they take advantage of you.Allow yourself time to grieve, surround yourself with positive people, and remember that it wasn't your fault that you got used.It may take some time, but you can get over the pain that you are feeling.
Step 1: Allow yourself to be hurt.
There is no quick fix for feeling used and you may experience a period of time where you feel sad, angry, and hurt.They feel bad so don't try to suppress them.Allow yourself to work through your pain.It's okay if you don't feel like going out or talking to friends during this time.If you need to, let yourself cry.If you were used by a romantic partner or close friend, it might make you feel better.
Step 2: Give yourself time to recuperate.
If you have been used, you might want to get back into a relationship or friendship to make yourself feel better.Don't rush into anything new while you are still feeling down, and try to give yourself time to heal emotionally.Save new relationships for when you feel better by talking to your existing friends.Everyone needs different amounts of time to heal, and there is no set timetable for how long you will need.
Step 3: If you need to, cut off the person who used you.
You may not be able to recover from what the other person has done to you if you have been used in a relationship or friendship.It will bring you more pain if you don't think you can forgive the person.If you can avoid it, don't text, call or talk to them.You may have to see this person if you go to school or work with them.You should keep your interactions civil.
Step 4: For support, lean on your friends and family.
Discuss your feelings with your friends and family.It's easier to push them away when you're hurt, but try to rely on them to make you feel better.Try to distract yourself from your pain by talking about your feelings.When friends or family try to comfort you, they can be too revealing.Don't talk about what happened if you feel uncomfortable sharing it.Say, "I'm going through a rough time right now" to your friends or family.Could we spend some time together this week?
Step 5: Do not blame yourself.
You may feel like you are to blame for someone using you.This isn't the case.You shouldn't blame yourself for someone using you.Don't think negatively until they are gone.It is easier to think that you are to blame if you have been used a lot throughout your life.Someone taking advantage of you shows a flaw in their own character, not yours.
Step 6: Don't romanticize the person who used you.
After you cut ties with someone, it's easy to forget about the positives in their personality and relationship with you.It's a good idea to focus on what was wrong and why you removed them from your life.Remember that they used you and that it hurt.If you only remember the good times that you two had, you may be romanticizing someone.
Step 7: Positive people should be in your life.
Avoid those who bring you down and stick with friends who have been there for you.Positive people will not take advantage of your kindness in the future.Don't bring bad people into your life.If you don't like talking to someone or hanging out with them, they are probably not a good person to have in your life.
Step 8: People who can empathise with your story.
Sharing your own experiences is freeing.If one of your friends or family members has been used in the past, ask them if they would be willing to listen to your story.If anyone wants to talk to you, listen to them with an open mind.There are support groups in your area that you can look for.They may make you feel less alone.
Step 9: Look at yourself as a strong person.
You made it out alive after enduring being used.Don't see yourself as a victim.Look at yourself as a level-headed person who overcame an emotional trauma.It will help boost your self-esteem and affect most areas of your life.A more positive outlook on life is a result of high self-esteem.
Step 10: Make time for yourself to heal.
Set aside some time each week to do something that makes you feel good.This can be taking a bubble bath, exercising, reading a new book, or buying yourself a cup of coffee.Reward yourself for healing by recognizing that you are still healing.It's a good idea to set aside time for yourself.For everyone, self-care is different.You have to try a few things to figure out what works for you.
Step 11: Don't fear being used again if you have a positive outlook.
You can't let fear dictate your decisions.If you have been used, you may not be as open in new relationships because of your fear of being used again.As you move on, try not to let your experiences affect you.Most people have good intentions and not everyone in your life wants to use you.It was not your fault that you were used.
Step 12: Seek help from a mental health professional.
If you're having a hard time getting over being used, talk to a therapist or a counselor.Talk to your school or college to find out what resources are available to you.Therapy is beneficial to everyone.It can help you in other areas of your life as well.