If someone displays these 10 behaviors, they don’t respect themselves

We often hear that we should love ourselves first before we can expect love from others, right?

But what does it mean to not respect yourself?

There are certain behaviors that can show whether you’re giving yourself the respect you deserve.

Let’s dive into the 10 signs that might suggest someone doesn’t respect themselves.

1. They Always Put Others First

We all like to lend a helping hand. It feels good to be there for others and make their day a little brighter.

But there’s a limit. If you’re always putting others first at the expense of your own needs, that’s a red flag.

People who don’t respect themselves often make this mistake. They think they have to constantly please others to be liked or valued.

They might cancel their own plans to accommodate someone else’s, or let others walk over them because they fear conflict.

Remember, it’s important to help others, but not at the cost of neglecting yourself. It’s okay to say ‘No’ sometimes.

Trust me, setting boundaries won’t make you a bad person. It just shows that you respect your own time and energy – and that’s something everyone should do!

2. They’re Always Apologizing

Ever met someone who says ‘sorry’ like it’s their catchphrase?

If you’re apologizing all the time, even when you’ve done nothing wrong, it’s a sign that you might not respect yourself.

People who lack self-respect often feel like they’re always in the wrong. They say sorry for things they don’t need to, like expressing their opinion or asking for help.

This is because they don’t want to come off as rude or demanding.

But here’s the thing: You have every right to speak up, ask questions or make requests. You don’t have to apologize for it. If you’re not being disrespectful or harmful, there’s nothing to be sorry about.

Instead of saying ‘sorry’, try saying ‘thank you’. For example, instead of saying “Sorry for asking”, say “Thank you for helping me”. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in how you see yourself!

3. They Don’t Take Care of Their Health

There was a time in my life when I would skip meals, avoid exercise, and pull all-nighters regularly. My health wasn’t a priority.

People who don’t respect themselves often neglect their health. They might skip meals because they’re ‘too busy’, avoid exercise because they’re ‘too tired’, or skimp on sleep because they have ‘too much to do’. They put everything else before their own wellbeing.

But here’s what I learned from my experience: Your body is your home. If you don’t take care of it, where are you going to live?

Now, I make sure to eat healthy, get regular exercise and aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Trust me, taking care of your health isn’t just about looking good, it’s about respecting yourself enough to know that you deserve to feel good too. 

4. They’re Always Negative

People who don’t respect themselves often fall into this negative thinking trap.

They constantly criticize themselves, always expect the worst, and can’t accept compliments.

They might think they’re being realistic, but in reality, they’re just reinforcing their lack of self-respect.

Changing your thought patterns isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible.

Start by noticing when you’re being too hard on yourself and challenge those thoughts.

Try to find a positive spin on things – no matter how small it might seem. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel about yourself. 

5. They Don’t Pursue Their Passions

There’s something incredibly heart-wrenching about letting go of your dreams and passions.

Yet, individuals who lack self-respect often sideline their own interests and aspirations to fit into someone else’s idea of what’s ‘right’ or ‘normal’.

They might have a passion for art but end up in a 9-5 job because it’s ‘more secure’. Or maybe they love to sing, but they never join the choir because they’re afraid of being judged.

In doing so, they’re denying themselves the joy and fulfillment that comes from doing what they truly love.

Remember, life is too short to not do what makes your heart sing. Take that painting class, join that choir, start that business! Show yourself the respect you deserve by pursuing your passions.

6. They Stay in Unhealthy Relationships

I once stayed in a relationship where I was constantly belittled and made to feel like I was never good enough. It’s not an easy thing to admit, but it’s the truth.

People who don’t respect themselves often stay in relationships that are harmful, be it with a partner, a friend, or even a family member.

They put up with mistreatment because they don’t believe they deserve better.

From my experience, let me tell you – no amount of love or friendship is worth sacrificing your self-respect. It took me a while to understand this, but once I did, I had the courage to walk away.

If a relationship makes you feel bad more often than it makes you feel good, it’s time to rethink its place in your life. 

7. They Don’t Stand Up For Themselves

Let’s not beat around the bush here; it’s hard to stand up for yourself. It takes guts. But when you constantly let people disrespect you without saying a word, you’re basically telling them it’s okay to treat you poorly.

People who lack self-respect often let others walk all over them because they’re afraid of confrontation, or they think they deserve to be treated badly.

Maybe they’ve been conditioned to believe their feelings don’t matter.

But here’s the raw truth: your feelings do matter.

Standing up for yourself doesn’t mean you’re being rude or aggressive. It means you value your feelings and thoughts enough to voice them out.

So, the next time someone crosses a line, take a deep breath and let them know. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with time, it’ll get easier. 

8. They Don’t Spend Time Alone

People who lack self-respect often avoid being alone. They fill their schedules with social events and surround themselves with others to avoid confronting their thoughts and feelings. They think being alone means they’re lonely or unloved.

But here’s the thing: spending time alone is not a bad thing. It’s a chance to reflect, recharge, and get to know yourself better.

So, whether it’s taking a walk in the park, journaling, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea – make sure to carve out some ‘me time’ in your schedule. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care.

9. They Don’t Celebrate Their Successes

There was a time when I’d achieve something great, and instead of celebrating, I’d brush it off and move onto the next thing. I thought it was being humble, but in reality, it was a lack of self-respect.

People who don’t respect themselves often downplay their achievements. They might think they don’t deserve praise or that their accomplishments are ‘no big deal’.

They’re always looking at the next mountain to climb, without appreciating the one they’ve just scaled.

What I’ve learned is this: every win – no matter how small – is worth celebrating. It’s not about bragging or showing off; it’s about acknowledging your hard work and effort.

So, pat yourself on the back when you do well. Celebrate your wins. You’ve earned it!

10. They Constantly Compare Themselves to Others

Let’s cut right to the chase: life is not a competition. Yet, those who lack self-respect often find themselves stuck in the comparison trap.

They’re constantly measuring their worth based on someone else’s success. They look at others and think, “Why can’t I be more like them?”

Comparison is the thief of joy. There will always be someone who seems ‘better’ in some way, but that doesn’t make you any less valuable.

Everyone’s journey is unique, with different paths, obstacles, and milestones. Your worth is not defined by how you stack up against others.

When you catch yourself comparing, take a step back and remind yourself of your own achievements and strengths.

Celebrate your individuality instead of wishing you were someone else. You are enough just as you are!