9 non-negotiable standards every strong woman sets in a relationship

There’s a huge difference between settling for less and knowing what you truly deserve in a relationship.

The difference boils down to standards. Settling implies you’re compromising on what you truly want, often to the detriment of your own happiness.

Having non-negotiable standards, however, means understanding your worth and refusing to accept anything less than what you deserve.

Every strong woman knows that setting certain standards in a relationship is non-negotiable. And believe me, there are specific standards that every empowered woman should never compromise on.

Let’s delve into the nine non-negotiable standards every strong woman sets in a relationship.

1) Self-respect

There’s no aspect of a relationship where setting standards is more crucial than when it comes to self-respect.

Every strong woman knows the importance of maintaining their dignity and self-worth.

It’s not uncommon for people to lose their sense of self in a relationship, often accepting less than they deserve just to keep the peace or to make their partner happy. But a strong woman knows better.

She understands that self-respect is non-negotiable. She knows her worth and refuses to accept anything less. She doesn’t allow anyone, not even her significant other, to erode her self-esteem.

Maintaining your self-respect does not mean being arrogant or unkind. It means valuing your time, your feelings, your needs, and your personal boundaries.

If you want to be a strong woman in a relationship, remember to always hold onto your self-respect. Doing so isn’t just about standing up for yourself; it’s about setting a standard for how you expect to be treated.

2) Honesty

The basis of any meaningful relationship is honesty, and for me, this is one standard I could never compromise on.

A few years back, I was in a relationship where honesty was not a priority. My partner would tell little white lies, nothing major, but enough to plant seeds of doubt in my mind. I began questioning everything he said, and trust gradually eroded.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: Honesty is non-negotiable.

Now, I firmly believe in the power of truth, however hard it may be. I’ve learned to voice out my feelings, thoughts, and concerns honestly. And equally, I expect the same level of honesty from my partner.

Because when honesty prevails in a relationship, it fosters trust and forms a strong bond between two people. It’s a standard every strong woman should set and uphold in her relationship.

3) Equality

In relationships, equality isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.

The United Nations identifies equality in a relationship as a fundamental human right. This includes sharing responsibilities, decision-making, and respecting each other’s roles and contributions.

A strong woman understands this. She knows that she is an equal partner in the relationship and is not afraid to demand equal treatment. She doesn’t accept being treated as less than or being expected to shoulder all the responsibilities alone.

Equality in relationships fosters mutual respect and partnership, making both parties feel valued and important. It’s a standard that every strong woman sets and should never compromise on in her relationship.

4) Communication

There’s a saying that communication is the lifeline of any relationship, and I couldn’t agree more.

Open and honest communication is always at the top of my list when it comes to standards in a relationship. It’s the cornerstone of understanding each other, resolving conflicts, and strengthening the bond between two people.

A strong woman knows that her thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter. She isn’t afraid to express them openly and expects her partner to do the same. She never settles for a relationship where she has to constantly guess what her partner is thinking or feeling.

Setting a standard of clear communication not only eliminates misunderstandings but also fosters an environment where both partners can express themselves freely. It’s a non-negotiable standard every strong woman sets in her relationship.

5) Independence

While being in a relationship often involves sharing a life together, it doesn’t mean losing your individuality.

A strong woman values her independence. She understands the importance of having her own space, time, and interests separate from her partner. She believes in maintaining her identity and not letting the relationship define who she is.

An interesting study by the American Psychological Association found that couples who encourage each other’s individuality tend to be happier. The same goes for relationships where both partners value each other’s independence.

Hence, independence is a non-negotiable standard every strong woman sets in her relationship. It’s about balance – being part of a couple while also maintaining your separate self.

6) Emotional Safety

Feeling emotionally safe in a relationship is like feeling warm and secure in the coziest blanket on a cold winter’s night. It’s about knowing that you can openly share your innermost fears, dreams, and insecurities without the fear of being judged or dismissed.

A strong woman understands the importance of emotional safety. She needs to feel secure in expressing her feelings, knowing that her partner will listen with empathy and understanding.

She sets this as a non-negotiable standard because she knows that a relationship without emotional safety is like a house without a foundation – vulnerable and shaky.

In a world where vulnerability can sometimes be seen as a weakness, a strong woman knows that it is, in fact, one of the greatest strengths.

She values emotional safety in her relationship because it allows her to be her most authentic self.

Expressing emotions freely and feeling truly heard and understood is a standard every strong woman sets in her relationship.

7) Growth

In any relationship, stagnation can feel like a death sentence. I’ve been there.

Being in a relationship where you’re not growing, not evolving, where every day feels like a replay of yesterday, it’s exhausting. It feels like being stuck in a loop.

Now, I firmly believe that growth is a non-negotiable standard in a relationship. Each day should bring with it an opportunity to learn something new about each other, to grow individually and together as a couple.

A strong woman understands the importance of growth in a relationship. She doesn’t settle for stagnation. She seeks a partner who challenges her, inspires her, and helps her grow into the best version of herself.

Because at the end of the day, a relationship should be about nurturing each other’s growth and helping each other become better individuals.

8) Respect

Respect is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. It’s about acknowledging each other’s individuality, values, and boundaries, and treating each other with kindness and consideration.

A strong woman knows the importance of respect in a relationship. She values herself enough to demand respect and gives the same in return. She knows that without respect, love alone can’t hold a relationship together.

Whether it’s about respecting each other’s time, opinions, or personal space, she sets this as a non-negotiable standard in her relationship.

Because at the end of the day, a relationship without respect is like a garden without water – it simply can’t flourish. Respect is a non-negotiable standard every strong woman sets in her relationship.

9) Unconditional Love

Above all, the most crucial standard a strong woman sets in a relationship is unconditional love.

She knows that true love isn’t just about the good times. It’s about standing by each other through the storms, the disagreements, and the challenges. It’s about loving each other without conditions or expectations.

Unconditional love is about accepting each other’s flaws and imperfections, celebrating each other’s uniqueness, and nurturing each other’s growth.

This is the ultimate non-negotiable standard every strong woman sets in her relationship – to love and be loved, unconditionally.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-love

The heart of every relationship standard often has a profound connection with our self-love and self-worth.

Consider this quote by Lucille Ball: “Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”

For a strong woman, setting non-negotiable standards in a relationship is an embodiment of this self-love. It’s about acknowledging her worth, respecting her values, and refusing to compromise on what she truly deserves.

Setting these standards isn’t about being selfish or demanding; it’s about nurturing her own growth, maintaining her identity, and fostering a healthy, fulfilling relationship.

Whether it’s insisting on honesty, valuing equality, or expecting unconditional love, these standards are her way of ensuring that she doesn’t settle for less than she deserves.

At the end of the day, every strong woman knows that the most significant relationship she will ever have is the one she has with herself. And setting non-negotiable standards in her relationships is a way of honoring that.