8 things self-respecting, strong women never do in a relationship

There’s a profound difference between being in a relationship and losing yourself in one.

As a strong, self-respecting woman, there are certain things you just don’t do in a relationship.

As the founder of Love Connection, I’ve seen it all in the world of dating and relationships.

In this article, I’m going to share eight things that strong, self-respecting women never do in a relationship.

So, if you’re ready to take control of your love life and maintain your strength and dignity, keep reading.

1) They never lose their identity

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen in relationships is when women start to lose their sense of self.

Strong, self-respecting women know the importance of maintaining their individuality, even when they’re in a relationship. They understand that a relationship is about sharing your life with someone, not giving it up completely.

I’ve seen countless women who start to change their hobbies, interests, and even their personality to match that of their partner. It’s a concerning trend that leads to an unhealthy balance in the relationship.

So keep doing what makes you happy, follow your passions, and never let anyone make you feel like you need to change to be loved. Because at the end of the day, self-respecting women know their worth and don’t compromise on it.

2) They don’t ignore their intuition

In my years of relationship coaching, I’ve often heard women say, “I knew something was off, but I ignored it.” Ladies, your intuition is a powerful tool, don’t disregard it.

Strong, self-respecting women pay attention to their gut feelings. If something doesn’t feel right in their relationship, they don’t suppress it; instead, they address it.

As the famous Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” If your instincts are signaling that something isn’t right, heed them.

I remember a time when I doubted my gut feeling in a relationship and ended up regretting it. Since then, I’ve learned to trust my intuition and it’s never led me astray.

Remember, your intuition is your inner compass guiding you. Listen to it!

3) They don’t become codependent

Being in a relationship doesn’t mean that you have to rely on your partner for everything. That’s a dangerous path to tread, leading towards codependency.

Strong, self-respecting women maintain their independence, even when they’re in a relationship. They know that it’s healthy to have a life outside their relationship and that they don’t need their partner to fulfill every aspect of their lives.

I’ve seen many women fall into the trap of codependency, and let me tell you, it’s not easy to break free once you’re in it. I’ve even written about this in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s a guide for anyone who finds themselves stuck in a codependent cycle and wants to regain their independence.

I’ve lived through a codependent relationship myself and it took me years to rebuild my self-esteem and independence. I don’t want any woman to go through that.

You’re an independent woman who is capable of taking care of yourself. Don’t ever forget that!

4) They don’t avoid conflict

Here’s something that might surprise you: strong, self-respecting women don’t shy away from conflict in a relationship.

Many people assume that avoiding arguments and disagreements is the key to a successful relationship. But that’s not always the case.

Avoiding conflict often leads to unresolved issues and bottled-up emotions, which can be damaging in the long run. A healthy relationship involves open and honest communication, even when it’s uncomfortable.

In my experience, I’ve found that facing conflicts head-on and discussing disagreements honestly can actually strengthen a relationship. It allows both partners to understand each other better and find solutions together.

Ladies, don’t fear conflict. Embrace it as an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding in your relationship. Keep in mind, it’s not about winning an argument, but about understanding your partner and finding a middle ground.

5) They don’t settle for less

I can’t stress this enough: strong, self-respecting women never settle for less than they deserve.

In my younger years, I found myself in relationships where I wasn’t valued or respected the way I should have been. It was a hard lesson to learn, but it taught me the importance of knowing my worth.

If you’re in a relationship where you’re constantly feeling undervalued or unappreciated, it’s time to reassess. A strong woman knows her worth and refuses to accept anything less. She understands that she deserves a partner who treats her with respect, values her opinion, and loves her unconditionally.

Take it from me: Never settle for less than you deserve. You’re worth so much more, and the right person will see that.

6) They don’t tolerate disrespect

Here’s the raw, honest truth: strong, self-respecting women don’t tolerate disrespect. Not from anyone, not ever.

Disrespect can take many forms in a relationship – from verbal abuse and belittlement to neglect and infidelity. And here’s what I’ve learned: if you let disrespect slide once, it opens the door for it to happen again.

I’ve been there, in a relationship where my boundaries were trampled and my feelings were disregarded. It’s a dark place to be, and no woman should have to endure that.

Always know, you deserve to be treated with kindness, love, and respect. Don’t accept anything less. If someone disrespects you – even if they say they love you – it’s not okay. Stand up for yourself and demand the respect you deserve.

7) They don’t ignore their own needs

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in a relationship that you forget about your own needs. But strong, self-respecting women know that self-care is not selfish—it’s essential.

I remember a time when I used to put my partner’s needs above my own, to the point where I forgot to take care of myself. It was a wake-up call when I realized that I was neglecting my own wellbeing.

As the great Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Don’t forget to prioritize yourself. Ensure your needs—physical, emotional, and mental—are being met. A relationship should enhance your life, not drain you. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first!

8) They don’t fear being alone

Let’s get real here: strong, self-respecting women aren’t afraid of being alone.

There’s a misconception out there that being single is synonymous with being lonely. But the truth is, being in a bad relationship can feel far lonelier than being single.

In my personal journey, I’ve learned that it’s far better to be alone than to be with someone who makes you feel alone. Being single gives you the chance to discover who you are, what you want, and what you deserve.

It’s better to be single and happy than in a relationship where you’re not respected or valued. Remember, your worth isn’t defined by your relationship status. You are enough, just as you are.

If you find yourself stuck in a codependent cycle or need guidance on maintaining your independence in a relationship, my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship might be the resource you need.

Remember ladies, you are strong, you are worthy, and you deserve nothing but the best. Never settle for less.