Why Your Self-Respect Should Be Your First Priority

Do you ever catch yourself begging for a response from someone who means a lot to you? Or hope for some compassion? Or a little gesture that maybe just suffices for basic kindness?

Does it ever occur to you that asking someone for the bare minimum is beneath your self-worth and dignity, or are you past that point? If fortunately you’re amongst the ones who fiercely step back at this point, then you’re not arrogant, nor is it pride. It’s self-respect.

We are often surrounded by people who never understand the wrong in what they’re doing. They don’t even consider our feelings as they would their very own. Sometimes people are just not ready, no matter how much time passes. They never try to understand or consider the sacrifices we have made for them. But it’s not always about sacrifices, it is about our basic needs that we have as individuals. The basic needs of belonging that every human being craves. If you repeatedly have to tell someone the exact same thing about how you feel and wish to be treated and nothing changes, understand that it’s not worth it. It’s not worth sacrificing your sleep for and you should realize that they don’t respect you.

It is not easy to remove yourself from such a one-sided equation, but it isn’t impossible to. Sometimes you have to try not to care, know your value and what you have to offer, and never settle for anything less than what you deserve. It is not about unrealistic expectations, but basic humanity. Negativity blocks all paths, so don’t expect to see positive changes in your life if you surround yourself with negative people who are always up for bringing you down. Most importantly, never ever fool yourself into thinking that you’re asking for too much or you should maybe settle for less. Know that your needs are valid just like theirs—always.

Don’t give part-time people a full-time position in your life. It’s not pride, it’s self-respect.