There’s a stark difference between self-respect and self-degradation.
The difference is all in our actions. Exhibiting self-degrading behavior is like sending an open invitation to others to treat us poorly, since we’re not even treating ourselves with respect.
On the flip side, self-respect allows us to set boundaries, assert our worth, and ultimately live happier lives.
Now, you might be wondering: what exactly constitutes self-degrading behavior? Trust me, I’m getting to that. I’ve compiled a list of nine behaviors that scream “zero self-respect”.
If you’re a woman and you’re exhibiting these behaviors, it might be time for a serious heart-to-heart with yourself. And don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it.
1) She constantly seeks validation
We’ve all been there, caught in the cycle of seeking approval and validation from others.
This behavior is especially prominent in individuals who struggle with their self-esteem. It’s as if they’ve outsourced their self-worth to the external world, waiting on others’ opinions to define their value.
Imagine being on a rollercoaster, where your sense of self-worth plunges and soars based on how people react to you. It’s a tumultuous ride that leaves you feeling empty and exhausted.
If you notice that a woman is constantly seeking validation from others, it’s a clear sign that she lacks self-respect. She needs to understand that her value isn’t determined by outside opinions but by how she views and treats herself.
If you’re the woman in question, remember this: You’re the one who gets to define your worth. And trust me, you’re worth a lot more than you think.
2) She tolerates disrespect
I’ve got a story for you. A few years ago, I found myself in a relationship where my partner would consistently belittle me. Whether it was subtle jabs at my intelligence or overtly sarcastic comments about my appearance, I put up with it all.
Why? Because I convinced myself that he didn’t really mean it. That it was all just harmless teasing, part of his “quirky” sense of humor.
But truth be told, it wasn’t harmless. It was disrespectful. And by tolerating it, I was disrespecting myself.
That’s the thing about self-respect, you see. It’s about setting boundaries and not letting anyone cross them. It’s about standing up for yourself when someone treats you poorly.
If a woman continually tolerates disrespect from others without raising her voice or taking a stand, it’s a glaring sign of low self-respect.
And if that woman is you, remember: You deserve to be treated with kindness, love, and respect. Don’t settle for anything less.
3) She neglects her own needs
Ever heard of the “oxygen mask theory”? It’s a principle that’s often referenced in psychology and self-care circles.
Here’s how it goes: In case of an emergency on a flight, you’re instructed to secure your own oxygen mask before helping others. The logic behind this is simple yet profound: you can’t help others if you’re struggling for breath yourself.
The same principle applies to life. If a woman consistently neglects her own needs, putting everyone else’s needs before her own, she’s essentially depriving herself of that crucial oxygen.
It’s also a significant indicator of low self-respect. By not prioritizing herself, she’s sending out a message that she doesn’t value her own health, happiness, and overall wellbeing.
To any woman who’s reading this: Remember to put on your own oxygen mask first. Your needs matter. You matter.
4) She’s a people pleaser
There’s a fine line between being considerate and being a people pleaser. The former is about showing empathy and respect for others, while the latter is about going out of your way to avoid conflict or rejection.
If a woman is constantly bending over backward to keep everyone happy, constantly worried about how others perceive her, she’s likely stuck in the people-pleasing trap. This behavior often stems from a fear of disapproval or rejection and is a clear sign of lacking self-respect.
To the women who recognize themselves in this description: it’s important to understand that you can’t please everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Your worth isn’t determined by how many people you can keep happy. It’s determined by how you value and respect yourself.
5) She accepts less than she deserves
Ever noticed someone who consistently accepts less than what they are truly deserving of? It can be in terms of relationships, career, or even daily interactions.
If a woman is found to be settling for less, it is often a reflection of her self-worth. It’s as if she’s telling the world, “I don’t deserve better.” This is a clear indication that she lacks self-respect.
If you’re the woman in this scenario, remember: You deserve the best that life has to offer. Don’t settle for less. Stand up for what you deserve and trust that you are worth it.
6) She doesn’t value her time
Time, as they say, is the one thing you can never get back. So if a woman routinely allows others to waste her time, or spends her own time on things that don’t serve her or bring her joy, it’s a huge red flag.
I’ve seen so many bright, talented women give away their time freely to people who don’t appreciate it, or spend hours engrossed in activities that drain rather than fulfill them.
It breaks my heart because I know they deserve so much more. They deserve to spend their time in ways that reflect their worth and potential.
If this sounds like you, I want you to know: your time is precious. It’s a reflection of your life. Don’t let others misuse it, and don’t misuse it yourself. Respect your time and others will too.
7) She dismisses her achievements
There was a time in my life when I’d brush off compliments or downplay my achievements. Whether it was passing a difficult exam or scoring a promotion at work, I’d always respond with something like, “Oh, it was nothing” or “I just got lucky.”
Looking back, I realize that this was more than just modesty. It was a sign that I wasn’t respecting myself enough to take credit for my own success. I didn’t believe that I was deserving of the accolades I received.
If a woman consistently dismisses her achievements, it’s a clear sign she lacks self-respect. She needs to understand that her accomplishments are a result of her hard work, skills, and dedication.
To all the women out there who have been dismissing their achievements: Stand tall and take credit for your success. You’ve earned it. You deserve it.
8) She doesn’t stand up for herself
Imagine being in a situation where you’re being treated unfairly or unjustly. Do you stand up for yourself or do you choose to stay silent?
If a woman consistently chooses silence over asserting herself, it’s a clear indicator of low self-respect. By not standing up for herself, she’s essentially giving others the green light to disrespect her.
I want to tell every woman reading this: Your voice matters. Speak up for yourself. Stand up against injustice. It’s not just about demanding respect from others, it’s about respecting yourself enough to not tolerate unfair treatment.
9) She doesn’t love herself
At the core of self-respect lies self-love. If a woman doesn’t love herself, it shows in the way she allows others to treat her and how she treats herself.
Lack of self-love manifests in numerous ways – be it ignoring one’s own needs, tolerating disrespect, or downplaying accomplishments. It’s a clear sign of not respecting oneself.
To every woman reading this, remember: You are worthy of love, respect, and happiness. Start by loving yourself unconditionally. Because the moment you start loving yourself, you inherently start respecting yourself too. And trust me, it’s the most liberating feeling in the world.
Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.