When did you realise you were being used?

Hey all, when did you realise you were being used by someone whether it was your old friend, ex or someone else?

Thanks to redditors for telling me back then that I was used in the past. A guy (blocked for years) had asked for reassurance on whether I was treating him and chose Korean BBQ for dinner. The total bill came up to about RM300 after he ordered dishes which were more expensive than my portion.

I have also met a guy from 4 years back who seemed to be after what I could provide although he had feelings for me. His family was financially poor and looked relieved when I said that he could stay at my place if he was orphaned and that I could drive him around next time since he did not own a car. After we went our separate ways, he uploaded the picture I took of him and put on his dating profile. Being cheap I guess.

I believe someone who licks people's boots can also use us. It could be somoene who wanted to rub shoulders with others when they saw what others could provide them whether it's finances or resources. Share your experience in that.

In my opinion, this behaviour of using others is because they are insecure and feel a need to boost their ego to fill the void. They feel the need to be in control. I don't really put the whole blame on them though. Life has been unfair to them for them to do that.