This post is a good reminder for myself, I had issues with this too. Now I prefer to be considered difficult or arrogant than meek and easy to exploit. People will sniff your weakness and exploit you until you are done. For mental health this is detrimental. I have learned to say no and stand up for myself. It is still a journey because our ego makes us sensitive to what we think about what people think about us. In the end our own mental health is more important! I congratulate you for finally saying No.!