The rules of relationships that exist are as important to the relationship we create with ourselves as they are to our relationships with others. Trust, listen, communicate and above all respect yourself , it is important to live your truth.
10 signs you don’t respect yourself
You cannot be the best version of yourself without giving yourself the same respect that you demand from others. The problem is that we do not usually see how we treat ourselves either respectfully or disrespectfully, but the following signs will certainly help you visualize it:
1. You are saying yes to things that are not important to you, or that you don’t have time for.
Respect your time and energy to spend on projects and people that matter most to you. We are not doing ourselves any favors if we go over the limit of scheduling our days, and subtract the time we have for our own necessary care.
2. You present yourself as something you are not in order to earn yourself a favor.
We have all felt the need to show another face in order to impress someone. We also know that we shouldn’t have to, and yet we will do it anyway. It is grossly disrespectful to ourselves to think that we are not good enough. And if we are not good enough for them, the truth is that they are not good enough for us.
3. You often agree with what someone says just because you don’t want to offend them.
Our opinions are important, and when we don’t express them, we are basically telling ourselves and everyone else that they are not. If someone is offended by our thoughtful and sincere ideas, then they weren’t really looking for advice, they were looking for a yes. Show respect for yourself and others by expressing how you feel, but in an honest and kind way.
4. You put your needs behind the needs of others.
We are not doing anyone any favors by ignoring what we need in terms of rest, relaxation, and general self-care. We operate better, we are more productive and emotionally stable, when we are taking care of ourselves.
5. When you feel guilty for doing what is right for you, even if it goes against the advice you have received.
Seeking advice has a place in our lives for sure, but it is important to remember that it is only advice. Whether we are giving them or receiving them, there should be no personal affront when they are not followed. It just means that he wasn’t quite right at the time. Don’t feel guilty about going against the advice you received and making a decision that feels good to you.
6. When you don’t defend yourself by making things clear.
Nobody thrives on conflict and sometimes it is easier to let things go. But we have to balance that with defending ourselves. In order to respect ourselves, it is important for people to know the truth about us and the role we play in certain situations. Sometimes it is correcting something wrong and other times it is correcting something right. Either way, painting a clear and accurate picture of the matter is a sign that you respect yourself.
7. You regularly hide your feelings.
We are creatures of feelings and emotions, but society has taught us to keep them hidden so as not to make others upset. You are disrespecting yourself every time you say things are okay when they are not. Be true to who you are and most importantly, how you feel.
8. You openly seek attention.
The only attention that really matters is the attention we give to ourselves. When we seek the attention of others, we are simply seeking external validation of something that we probably already know. If you find yourself seeking someone else’s approval, look inward and find out what you are missing. Then work on filling that gap.
9. You always try to make others happy, essentially by becoming their “doormat.”
We only have the ability to affect our own happiness, and when we are happy, we want others to be happy too. The problem with trying to make others happier is that we usually end up leaving them wanting, and as a result, we create a greater emptiness inside. We can affect the biggest change by focusing on ourselves. As Mahatma Gandhi says, “be the change we want to see in the world.”
10. You surround yourself with bad company.
It is difficult to be our authentic self when we are hanging out with people who do not appreciate and share beliefs and values that help promote our true selves. Take the time to find and grow with like-minded people who support who you are. It is difficult for you to fall into self-respect when you are loved and supported.
Nobody pretends to fall for that, all of us in essence are always going to want to respect ourselves, but so many automatic behaviors end up doing just that. Automatic responses to how we feel, not really speaking what we want to avoid hurting the feelings of others, and seeking validation from an external source rather than our own, are forms of disrespect.
You don’t have to take the path of least resistance by ignoring your own wants and needs. Stand up for who you are and what you believe in in a kind but firm way. That is a definite sign that you respect yourself.