It can be hard to take the time to think about what you need for yourself in a busy day. But the truth is, it’s so important to honor yourself and your autonomy. No one has the ability to define you. Here are some signs you might not respect yourself enough:
1. You let other people control you
Everyone loves to give advice and tell you what you “should” be doing. If you let these people have the last say, you might be missing respect for yourself. You don’t have to listen to everything that someone else tells you to do.
2. You ignore your intuition
It may be tempting to ignore a sinking feeling in your stomach, but it’s an important survival mechanism. Your gut instincts let you know the best way to honor your own needs. Learn to pay attention to it and your mental state or psychology.
3. You allow other people to take advantage of you
Unfortunately, others will try to take your kindness and sensitivity for granted. Remember to protect yourself. When you learn to self-help, you learn to help others as well.
4. Your true feelings remain hidden
It can be hard to open yourself up and become vulnerable. But when you become in touch with your feelings, you respect your truest self. Learn to be aware of what your own emotions are trying to tell you.
5. You overpromise
If you deny your gut feeling and commit to something you really don’t want to do, you are denying your happiness. It is always ok to say “no.”
6. You are holding back from pursuing your happiness
If your own personal dreams and goals always come last on your list, stop and think about whether that may actually be making you feel resentful.
It’s important to spend time doing things for others, but if you never think about what your own desires are, chances are you don’t respect yourself.
7. You spend your time on things you don’t love
If you find yourself doing something only so that someone else will approve of you, stop and reconsider your actions.
You do not need to force yourself to do unpleasant things in order to get acceptance from other people. Healthy relationships are built on terms that both people are comfortable with.
8. You spend too much time self-criticizing
It’s important to be self-aware, but not self-critical. It is not healthy or constructive to spend large amounts of time considering your negative attributes. This is not a happy way to live.
9. You deny your own needs
When you start listening to your gut, you will start to figure out what you need. You need to prioritize taking care of yourself however you need. This is a vital way to begin to respect yourself.
10. You constantly think about what others think of you
Relationships are important, but other people cannot define your sense of self. You do not require validation from anyone in order to be happy.
11. You spend your time judging others
If you are self-critical, you will also project that feeling onto others. But the truth is that other people are out of your control, and as you accept yourself, you must also respect others. Allow other people to make their own choices.
12. Your relationships are harmful or unfulfilling
When you don’t respect yourself, it can be too easy to end up in relationships that are unfulfilling, or even toxic or abusive.
You can take care of others while still prioritizing your own needs and desires. Let go of the need for others’ approval, because it does not matter.
It may sound daunting, but once you begin to prioritize yourself and your own happiness, you will begin to feel more reasons to respect yourself.
It is so important to remain in touch with your intuition and needs. It is ok to become the person that you want to be. You don’t need anyone else’s permission. Trust yourself and your limits, and others will, too.
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