act tough and be feared or act nice and be abused?

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before, i acted tough. i was sort of feared by some and disliked by many. but i get respect. i didn't care if they talk trash about me because no matter what they say behind me, they can't do anything when i am around. years later, i changed my ways because i wanted to be nice and liked. but then i regretted it. because people started abusing my kindness. sure, many liked me. but they all took advantage of me. they all took me for granted... and i hated that! i wanted to change my ways again but somehow i could not. i want my life back before when i acted tough and was feared - yet respected... i don't want to act nice anymore because i get abused by people! but how the heck am i going to act tough again? i am already used to being nice! can someone help me?