8 things a strong woman will never stand for in a relationship

There’s a vast distinction between tolerating things in a relationship and standing strong.

It all boils down to self-worth. Tolerating unhealthy behaviors signifies a lack of self-respect, while standing strong showcases your value and strength.

Being a strong woman, I’ve learned that there are certain things that should never be tolerated in a relationship.

In my experiences, both personal and professional as the founder of the Love Connection blog and a relationship expert, I’ve identified 8 non-negotiables for strong women in relationships.

Here are the 8 things that no strong woman should ever tolerate in a relationship. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Disrespect

In the realm of relationships, there’s nothing more fundamental than mutual respect.

And for a strong woman, respect isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Let’s face it. We’ve all been in situations where our partner’s words or actions have made us feel less than worthy. It’s an uncomfortable position that no one should have to endure.

This is particularly true for strong women, who are fully aware of their worth and refuse to accept anything less. They know that love cannot thrive in an environment of disrespect.

Disrespect can take many forms – from belittling comments to dismissive behavior. But regardless of its form, a strong woman recognizes it for what it is and refuses to tolerate it.

So, ladies, remember this – every individual deserves respect, especially within a relationship. And if someone can’t give you that, they don’t deserve you.

Hold your ground. Never tolerate disrespect. Because being a strong woman means respecting yourself enough to demand respect from others.

2) Lack of communication

Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. It’s through communication that we understand our partner’s needs, desires, and worries.

I remember a time in my own relationship when communication was lacking. We were like two ships passing in the night, not really understanding or connecting with each other. It felt lonely, and it wasn’t until we started to really communicate that our relationship improved.

A strong woman understands this. She knows that mutual understanding can’t exist in a silent world. She values open dialogue, active listening, and honest expressions of feelings.

As the great George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

If your partner isn’t willing to communicate openly and honestly, it’s a red flag that a strong woman will not ignore. She knows that without communication, the relationship is destined for trouble.

3) Codependency

In my years as a relationship expert, I’ve seen many women fall into the trap of codependency. It’s a pattern where you become overly reliant on your partner for emotional or psychological support.

In my own journey, I’ve learnt that codependency can be very toxic. It robs you of your independence and can lead to feelings of resentment, frustration, and even depression.

As a strong woman, I’ve learnt to value my independence and autonomy. And I know that healthy relationships are built on interdependence, not codependency.

In fact, this is a topic I delve into in great detail in my book “Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship“. I believe it’s an essential read for anyone who wants to cultivate healthier, stronger relationships.

A strong woman understands the importance of maintaining her individuality even within a relationship. She will never tolerate codependency because she knows the value of independence and self-reliance.

4) Constant agreement

Now this one might seem a bit counterintuitive. After all, isn’t agreement what we all seek in a relationship?

But hear me out. Constant agreement doesn’t mean harmony. In fact, it could be a sign of an underlying issue – a lack of individuality.

Strong women value their opinions and aren’t afraid to voice them, even if they differ from their partner’s. They know that it’s okay to disagree in a relationship; it’s through these disagreements that we grow and learn about each other.

A relationship where your partner always agrees with you may seem comfortable, but it’s not healthy. It means that one person is probably suppressing their true feelings to avoid conflict.

A strong woman never tolerates a partner who always agrees with her. She values healthy debate and respects differing opinions because she knows that’s how true growth happens in a relationship.

5) Emotional unavailability

Have you ever been with someone who seems physically present but emotionally distant? I have. And let me tell you, it’s a lonely place to be.

Emotional availability is crucial in a relationship. It’s about being open and vulnerable, sharing your feelings, fears, dreams, and hopes with your partner.

A strong woman craves this emotional connection. She understands that a relationship without emotional depth is like a garden without water – it simply can’t thrive.

If a partner is emotionally unavailable, it can be incredibly draining. It leaves you feeling unheard, unseen, and unimportant.

And that’s something a strong woman will never tolerate. She needs an emotional equal, someone who isn’t afraid to dive deep into the pool of feelings and emotions with her.

6) Physical or emotional abuse

This one is raw, it’s real, but it’s essential to address.

No woman, strong or otherwise, should ever tolerate physical or emotional abuse in a relationship. It’s destructive, harmful and goes against the very essence of love and respect.

Abuse isn’t just physical. Emotional abuse – manipulation, gaslighting, and constant belittlement – is just as damaging but often harder to identify.

A strong woman recognizes the signs of abuse and refuses to accept such treatment. She understands her worth and knows that she deserves a relationship built on love, respect, and kindness.

It’s important to remember that there’s no shame in walking away from an abusive relationship. It takes tremendous courage and strength, but no one deserves to be treated with anything less than absolute respect.

7) Unsupportive behavior

I’ve always believed in the saying by Oprah Winfrey, “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.”

This holds especially true in relationships.

I recall a time when I was working on launching the Love Connection blog, and I was met with doubt and criticism from a significant other. It was a challenging time, but it made me realize the importance of having a supportive partner.

A strong woman will never tolerate someone who doesn’t support her dreams and ambitions. She needs a partner who stands by her side, cheering her on as she conquers her goals, not someone who pulls her down with negativity.

A strong woman never settles for a partner who doesn’t believe in her. She knows her worth and surrounds herself with those who recognize it too.

8) Neglect

The final point is perhaps one of the most painful to endure – neglect.

Neglect can be subtle, but it’s incredibly damaging. It’s the absence of affection, the lack of attention, the disregard for your needs and feelings.

A strong woman recognizes when she’s being neglected. She understands that she deserves someone who appreciates her, cherishes her, and makes her feel loved.

Neglect is a slow killer of relationships. It leaves you feeling unimportant, unloved, and lonely.

The raw truth is, a strong woman knows her worth. She will never tolerate being neglected because she knows that she deserves to be cherished and valued. She won’t settle for a relationship where she’s an option rather than a priority.

Conclusion

Strong women understand their worth and never settle for less in a relationship. They refuse to tolerate disrespect, lack of communication, codependency, constant agreement, emotional unavailability, abuse, unsupportive behavior, and neglect.

These are not just relationship red flags, but deal-breakers.

Remember, ladies. You’re strong. You’re worthy. And you deserve someone who treats you with the love and respect you deserve.

For more insights on maintaining your independence and overcoming codependency in relationships, I recommend giving my book “Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship” a read.

Stay strong, ladies. Remember your worth and never settle for less.