12 Phrases That Invite People To Walk All Over You

These 12 Phrases Make You Sound Like A Pushover

Three business professionals are having a discussion in an office. A woman sitting at a desk gestures while talking to two colleagues, a man and another woman, who are both standing. A laptop and water bottles are on the table.

When it comes to human interaction, our words wield tremendous power. They can uplift, empower, or inadvertently invite others to take advantage. Though seemingly innocuous, certain phrases can signal weakness or a lack of self-assurance. Here are 12 common expressions that might subtly undermine your authority and invite others to walk all over you, without you even realizing it.

1. “I’m sorry to bother you, but…”

Two women are having a discussion in a modern office setting. One woman, holding a notebook, is wearing a yellow top and the other, holding papers, is dressed in a striped shirt. The background features an open workspace with desks, chairs, and large windows.

We’ve all been there – hesitating at a colleague’s desk, apologizing before we’ve even spoken. This phrase screams, “My time is less valuable than yours!” By automatically assuming you’re an inconvenience, you’re permitting others to treat you as such. Your needs and questions are valid. There’s no need to apologize for existing in shared spaces.

2. “It’s no big deal.”

A woman and a man in business attire have a conversation while seated in a bright, modern office. The woman holds a tablet and smiles, engaging with the man, who wears glasses and faces her. Large windows provide natural light in the background.

This could be used to downplay your efforts or brush off someone else’s inconsiderate behavior. Either way, this phrase minimizes your worth and teaches others that your time, energy, and feelings don’t matter. It’s a slippery slope from here to becoming everyone’s doormat.

3. “It’s okay, don’t worry about it.”

Two men are talking on a street. The man facing the camera is smiling and has dark hair with a short beard, wearing a blue t-shirt. The other man's back is to the camera, and he has short brown hair and a beard. Cars and trees are visible in the background.

Ah, the classic conflict-avoidance tactic. While it might seem like you’re being nice, you’re actually sending a clear message: “My feelings and needs are less important than your comfort.” This phrase often masks genuine hurt or frustration. By swallowing your true emotions, you’re training others to disregard your well-being.

4. “I’ll just do it myself.”

A man with a beard is sitting on a blue couch playing video games with a controller, while a woman is ironing clothes behind him in a living room. The room is cluttered with laundry, a laundry basket, snacks, and drinks, and is decorated with wall art and a bookshelf.

This one is the martyr’s anthem. Sure, sometimes it’s easier to handle things solo. But constantly volunteering to shoulder everyone else’s responsibilities is a one-way ticket to burnout. This phrase can stem from impatience or a desire for control, but it often results in others expecting you to always pick up the slack.

5. “Whatever you think is best.”

Two people are sitting at a table having a discussion. The woman, with curly hair pulled back, is listening attentively with her hands clasped. The man, wearing glasses and holding a pen, is speaking to her. Papers and a mug are on the table.

Deferring to others can seem polite, but it’s a surefire way to lose your voice in decisions that affect you. This phrase broadcasts insecurity and a lack of opinion. You’re essentially handing over the steering wheel of your life to whoever happens to be around. It’s ok to express your thoughts, even if it means occasionally disagreeing with others.

6. “I don’t want to cause any trouble/be a bother.”

Two women are sitting on a black leather sofa having a conversation. They are both wearing dark blazers, and one is gesturing with her hands. The setting appears to be a professional environment.

This phrase is often used when we’re about to express a need or concern, effectively undermining our own position before we’ve even stated it. It’s basically you apologizing for having an opinion or boundary. But asserting yourself isn’t the same as causing trouble – it’s necessary for healthy relationships and self-respect.

7. “I’m fine with anything.”

Two women are sitting together at a table, engaged in a discussion while looking at a laptop. They appear to be in a bright, modern office setting. One woman is pointing at the screen, and both are smiling and appear focused on the task at hand.

This is the people-pleaser’s motto. While flexibility is admirable, constantly deferring to others’ preferences can leave you feeling invisible and resentful. This phrase often masks a fear of conflict or a desire to be liked. Perhaps you believe that having and expressing your opinion makes you difficult – it doesn’t, it makes you human.

8. “I guess I could…”

Two women sit on a white sofa, engaged in conversation. The woman on the left, wearing a red sweater, has a concerned expression and gestures with her hand on her chest. The woman on the right, in a beige top, listens attentively while holding a black mug.

This phrase is reluctance wrapped in a half-hearted agreement. It lets the other person know, “I don’t really want to, but I’m too afraid to say no.” It’s a wishy-washy commitment that leaves you vulnerable to being pressured into things you’d rather not do. Own your decisions. If you want to help, say yes enthusiastically. If you don’t, politely decline.

9. “I hate to ask, but…”

Two men are sitting and talking in a bright room with large windows. One man on the right holds a tablet and papers while looking at the man on the left, who gestures with his hand. Both wear blue shirts and appear engaged in a discussion.

Another classic opener that diminishes the importance of your request before you’ve even made it. This phrase suggests that you believe your needs are burdensome or unworthy of attention. You might as well just get it over with and apologize for your very existence.

10. “I know you’re busy, but…”

Two businesswomen in professional attire, one in a navy suit and the other in a beige suit, are engaged in a conversation in a bright, modern office space. In the blurred background, two men are also conversing near a window with a city view.

While acknowledging others’ time constraints can be considerate, it’s also important to realize people can, and will, make time for things they view as important. By pre-empting your request in this way, you make it seem less important than whatever the other person is already busy doing. Stop thinking your time and needs are any less valuable than anyone else’s. They aren’t.

11. “It’s probably my fault.”

A man in a tan suit is talking on a phone while gesturing towards a woman in a white blazer sitting at a table. Another woman in a dark blazer is reviewing documents. A laptop, papers, and glasses of water are on the table.

The ultimate in self-blame. This phrase not only absolves others of responsibility but also paints you as incompetent or problematic. You may as well just say, “Please, feel free to blame me for anything and everything!” While taking responsibility for your actions is important, automatically assuming fault can lead others to see you as an easy scapegoat.

12. “I’m not sure, but maybe…”

Two people are sitting indoors, having a serious conversation. One has a worried expression and is wearing a yellow sweater, while the other listens intently with hands clasped, dressed in a light blue shirt. The setting appears cozy with some plants and decor in the background.

Hesitation incarnate. This phrase broadcasts insecurity and a lack of confidence in your own thoughts or abilities. It invites others to dismiss your ideas before you’ve even fully expressed them. While it’s okay to be uncertain, constantly qualifying your statements with doubt undermines your credibility and invites others to steamroll over your opinions.