" By not standing up for themselves when it is appropriate, many [survivors] damage their self-esteem. They become angry and ashamed of themselves for putting up with inappropriate behavior. The more they put up with, the worse they feel. Soon, they begin to believe they don’t have a right to complain and convince themselves they are making a big thing out of nothing. "

― Beverly Engel , The Nice Girl Syndrome: Stop Being Manipulated and Abused -- And Start Standing Up for Yourself