In any relationship (whether in the workplace or in emotional connections), whoever is dispensable holds the power. Why are you afraid to ask for a raise? Why are you afraid to refuse unreasonable demands? Because your subconscious is screaming: “If I leave here, I’m finished.” The scent of this fear, your opponent can smell from 800 meters away. At this moment, your Plan B is your oxygen tank. It doesn’t have to be perfect compared to Plan A, but it must truly exist. As long as it exists, you transform from a “lamb waiting to be slaughtered” into an “equal player.” The original “begging” becomes “choice.” When you are always ready to turn around and leave, you will be surprised to find that even if you do nothing, the other party’s attitude can suddenly become polite. Because human nature is so mean: they fear the strong, yet also fear “madmen,” and they especially like to bully those honest people with no way out.