A woman with self-respect won’t tolerate these 9 things from a man

There’s a huge difference between simply accepting things as they are and standing up for your self-respect.

The difference lies in tolerance. Accepting things without question is like letting someone walk all over you, with no regard for your feelings.

Self-respect, however, means you value yourself enough to not put up with certain behaviors from anyone, especially from a man.

As a woman who respects herself, there are certain actions I won’t just brush off. And I know that there are specific things that women like me would never tolerate from a man.

Here are some things a woman with self-respect won’t tolerate from a man.

1) Disrespectful remarks

We all know that communication is key in any relationship.

And it’s not just about talking, it’s about how we talk to each other.

A woman with self-respect knows her worth. And she expects to be treated with the same level of respect she gives to others.

Disrespectful remarks, whether they’re blatant or subtle, are a no-go area for such a woman.

Think about it. It’s not just about the words said, but the intention behind them. And a woman who respects herself can easily pick up on this intention.

If a man makes demeaning or belittling comments, she won’t stand for it.

She understands that everyone deserves respect, and if a man can’t offer that, then he’s not worth her time.

This is not about being overly sensitive. It’s about understanding your value and expecting others to treat you accordingly.

2) Unwanted advances

In my own experience, self-respect also means setting clear boundaries when it comes to physical interactions.

I remember being at a party once where a guy I barely knew thought it was okay to get a little too close for comfort. I could tell he was trying to be flirtatious, but his advances were unsolicited and unwelcome.

In that moment, I knew I had to assert my boundaries. I firmly told him that his behavior was inappropriate and made me uncomfortable.

A woman with self-respect won’t hesitate to voice her discomfort when someone crosses the line. She knows her personal space is valuable and she has the right to protect it.

Just like in my case, if a man makes unwanted advances, she won’t tolerate it. It’s not about being uptight, but about understanding the importance of consent and mutual respect.

3) Emotional manipulation

Emotional manipulation is often a subtle form of control, where one person tries to influence another person’s behavior or feelings through deceptive or abusive tactics.

Here’s something to think about: According to Psychology Today, people who use emotional manipulation often do so because they feel powerless and insecure.

A woman with self-respect won’t tolerate this kind of behavior from a man. She can identify these tactics and refuses to be swayed by them.

Instead of succumbing to the manipulator’s tactics, she stands her ground. She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to confront the manipulator and demand respect.

Maintaining emotional integrity is crucial for self-respect. Don’t allow anyone to play with your emotions for their own gain.

4) Lack of support

Support is a fundamental pillar in any relationship. It’s about being there for each other in times of need, and celebrating each other’s victories.

A woman with self-respect expects her man to stand by her, be it in her professional endeavors, personal goals, or even in simple everyday matters.

If a man fails to provide the emotional or mental support she needs, she won’t tolerate it. She understands that a relationship is about partnership and mutual encouragement.

Being unsupported can feel like being alone, even when you’re in a relationship. And a self-respecting woman knows she deserves better.

It’s not about relying on someone else for your happiness, but about having someone who genuinely cares about your wellbeing and success.

5) Broken promises

Promises are not meant to be broken. They are a commitment, a vow to do something, and when they are constantly broken, trust begins to erode.

A woman with self-respect expects honesty and integrity from the man in her life. If he consistently fails to keep his word, she won’t tolerate it.

She understands that trust is a cornerstone of any relationship. And if a man can’t be relied upon to keep his promises, then trust becomes an issue.

Broken promises may seem like small things, but they add up over time and can severely damage a relationship.

A woman who respects herself knows she deserves someone who values their word as much as she does.

6) Lack of appreciation

Every individual craves recognition and appreciation, especially from those we hold dear.

A woman with self-respect puts her heart into all she does, whether it’s in her career, her relationships, or even the simple act of making a meal.

She deserves to be with a man who acknowledges her efforts, who appreciates her for who she is and what she does. A man who takes her for granted would not be tolerated.

It’s not about expecting constant praise or validation, but about feeling seen, valued, and loved.

When a woman pours love and energy into her life and the people in it, a lack of appreciation can feel like a deep wound. It’s an emotional hurt that a self-respecting woman would not allow to fester.

Everyone deserves to feel appreciated. It’s a fundamental human need that forms the basis of respect and love.

7) Disregard for boundaries

I’ve always believed that boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy relationship. They reflect our needs, our values, and our expectations.

There was a time when a man in my life consistently crossed my boundaries. He would show up unannounced at my workplace or make decisions that impacted me without consulting me first.

I realized that his disregard for my boundaries was a sign of disrespect. It showed he didn’t value my personal space or my opinions.

A woman with self-respect won’t tolerate such behavior. She sets her boundaries and expects them to be respected.

It’s not about being rigid or inflexible, but about mutual respect and consideration. If a man can’t respect her boundaries, then he’s failing to respect her as an individual.

8) Unfair criticism

Constructive criticism is one thing, but when criticism turns into constant nitpicking or belittling, it’s a different story altogether.

A woman with self-respect won’t tolerate being unfairly criticized by a man. She understands the difference between someone offering helpful feedback and someone who’s just trying to tear her down.

She knows her worth and won’t allow anyone to make her feel inferior or inadequate. She won’t stand for a man who uses criticism as a tool to undermine her self-esteem.

Everyone has the right to be treated with kindness and respect. And no one deserves to be constantly picked apart or criticized unfairly.

9) Neglect

Neglect, whether emotional or physical, is a clear violation of the basic tenets of any relationship. It’s about being present, caring, and invested in each other’s lives.

A woman with self-respect won’t tolerate neglect from a man. She deserves to be with someone who is fully present and engaged in the relationship.

If a man consistently ignores her, her needs, or her feelings, it’s a sign that he doesn’t value her or the relationship. She understands this and won’t accept such behavior.

She knows she deserves someone who cherishes her, who values her presence, and who invests time and energy into their relationship.

Final thoughts: It comes down to respect

True respect is the foundation of any healthy relationship. It’s about understanding each other’s values, acknowledging differences, and treating one another with kindness and dignity.

American social activist, Bell Hooks, once said, “Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”

This quote might seem unrelated, but in essence, it captures the core of our discussion. A woman who respects herself knows how to be alone. She is comfortable in her own skin, values herself, and does not seek validation from others.

In turn, she won’t tolerate anything less than genuine respect from a man. She won’t settle for someone who doesn’t value her or treats her less than she deserves.

It’s not about arrogance or entitlement but about self-love and understanding one’s worth. And when a woman truly respects herself, she sets the bar high for how others should treat her.

So remember, your self-respect sets the tone for your relationships. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.