Ethan Sterling
Self-respect is non-negotiable.
Yet, it’s shockingly easy to find ourselves in situations where we’re tolerating the intolerable.
Yet, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s shockingly easy to find ourselves in situations where we’re tolerating the intolerable.
Perhaps it’s a subtle put-down from a partner, a dismissive comment from a colleague, or a boundary crossed by a friend. If you’ve ever felt a nagging sense that you’re being treated less than you deserve, this article is for you.
We’ll uncover 9 behaviors you should never put up with, and if you’re currently allowing them, it’s time to reclaim your self-respect.
Remember, you are worthy of love, respect, and kindness. It’s time to start treating yourself that way.
1) Disrespect
Here’s the thing: respect is paramount.
If you’re regularly dealing with someone who disrespects you, whether it’s through their words or actions, it’s a clear sign that you’re not giving yourself the respect you deserve.
Allow me to be clear. I’m not just talking about blatant disrespect where someone insults or belittles you. Subtle forms of disrespect can be just as damaging and are often harder to spot.
This could be anything from constant interruptions when you’re speaking, to dismissive attitudes towards your feelings and opinions.
Remember, everyone deserves basic human respect. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
If you find yourself frequently tolerating disrespect, it’s time for a serious self-respect check. You deserve better, and it’s essential to demand it.
Sometimes, standing up for yourself can be tough, especially if you haven’t fully embraced your own worth.
Building self-love is key to establishing healthy boundaries and demanding the respect you deserve.
Consider investing in yourself with resources like the Self-Love Journey – it can empower you to recognize your value and create a life where disrespect has no place.
2) Emotional manipulation
Let’s talk about manipulation. It’s something I’ve personally experienced and let me tell you, it’s not something you want to put up with.
I once had a friend who would often use guilt to get their way. For instance, if I didn’t have time to hang out, they’d insinuate that I was a terrible friend for not making time for them.
It took me a while to realize that this was emotional manipulation. They were using my feelings of guilt and obligation to control my decisions.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, where someone is using your emotions against you to influence your choices, it’s a clear sign of lacking self-respect.
3) Neglect
Neglect can come in many forms, from people not returning your calls and messages to them not showing up when you need them.
Believe it or not, studies have shown that neglect can be just as harmful as outright abuse. It creates a sense of worthlessness and can lead to significant damage to one’s self-esteem.
When people consistently neglect you, it sends a clear message that they don’t value your time or feelings. If you’re putting up with this type of behavior, it’s a strong indicator that you need to reassess your self-respect.
4) Constant criticism
Constructive criticism is one thing. It’s healthy, promotes growth, and is generally delivered with good intentions. But constant, negative criticism? That’s a whole different ball game.
If someone is always finding fault in what you do, always highlighting your mistakes and never acknowledging your efforts, you’re dealing with a person who doesn’t respect you.
Putting up with this kind of behavior can seriously erode your self-esteem over time. It can make you start questioning your worth and abilities.
You’re allowed to make mistakes. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. If you constantly tolerate undue criticism, it’s time to take a step back and reassess your self-respect.
5) Breach of boundaries
Boundaries are crucial in every relationship. They help establish what’s acceptable and what’s not. They help protect your mental, emotional, and physical space.
But here’s the catch. If someone consistently crosses your boundaries, it’s a clear sign of disrespect.
Maybe they keep sharing your personal information without consent, or perhaps they insist on spending time with you even when you’ve clearly said you need some alone time.
Tolerating this behavior points to a serious lack of self-respect. You need to stand firm and assert your boundaries.
6) Lack of support
We all face ups and downs in life. During these times, having someone who supports and encourages us can make a world of difference.
But what if the people around you don’t provide that support? What if they belittle your dreams, or worse, ignore your struggles?
This can be incredibly disheartening. And tolerating such behavior is a clear sign that you’re not respecting yourself enough.
You deserve to be surrounded by people who uplift you, who believe in your dreams and stand by you during tough times. If you’re putting up with a lack of support, it’s time to reassess your self-respect and surround yourself with those who truly care.
7) Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where someone makes you question your own reality.
I remember feeling completely lost in a past relationship. Every time there was an argument, somehow, it was always my fault. I was made to feel like I was overreacting or misunderstanding the situation.
Over time, I began to question my own judgment, even my sanity. It was only much later that I realized I had been subjected to gaslighting.
If you ever feel like someone is twisting your reality and making you doubt your own experiences or feelings, it’s a sign of gaslighting. And putting up with this is a clear indication that you’re not respecting yourself enough.
Your experiences and feelings are valid – don’t let anyone make you question that.
8) Unreciprocated efforts
Relationships, whether they’re friendships, romantic, or professional, should be a two-way street.
If you’re always the one making an effort, always the one reaching out, always the one compromising, it’s not balanced. It’s not fair.
Putting up with such behavior is a clear sign that you lack self-respect. You deserve to be in relationships where your efforts are reciprocated, where you are valued and appreciated.
It’s not your job to keep someone in your life who doesn’t want to put in the effort to stay. It’s time to reassess your self-respect and demand the reciprocity you deserve.
If you find it challenging to walk away from one-sided relationships or feel guilty prioritizing your own needs, it may be time to embark on the Self-Love Journey.
Guided by world-renowned shaman Rudá Iandê, this transformative process can help you cultivate self-compassion, build confidence, and set healthy boundaries.
Learn to recognize your inherent worth and create relationships that truly nourish your soul, even if that means walking away from a love that isn’t reciprocated.
9) Physical or verbal abuse
Let’s get this straight, no one, absolutely no one, deserves to be abused, physically or verbally.
Abuse is the ultimate form of disrespect. It’s not only damaging to your physical well-being but also deeply scars your emotional health.
If you’re tolerating any form of abuse, it’s a glaring red flag that you’re seriously lacking self-respect.
You have every right to live a life free from fear and harm. Stand up, speak out and seek help if you’re in an abusive situation. You deserve better. You deserve respect.
Final words
Self-respect isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
It’s about setting boundaries, demanding respect, and refusing to tolerate behavior that diminishes your worth.
If you recognize any of these nine behaviors in your own life, it’s time to take action.
Always remember: You are worthy of love, respect, and kindness.
It’s never too late to reclaim your self-respect and create a life where you thrive.
