Self-respect is a powerful tool. Those who have it in abundance understand the importance of setting boundaries and adhering to them.
According to psychology, there are certain behaviors that people with deep self-respect simply won’t tolerate. They know their worth, and they refuse to compromise it.
In this article, we’ll explore seven of these behaviors. You’ll discover what truly respectful people avoid and how they ensure their personal boundaries are respected.
Remember, this isn’t about being stubborn or inflexible. It’s about understanding your value and standing up for it.
And who knows? Recognizing these behaviors may just give your own self-respect a healthy boost.
1) Disrespectful behavior
Having deep self-respect means recognizing when someone is treating you poorly and refusing to put up with it.
Carl Rogers, a renowned American psychologist, once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
This highlights the importance of self-awareness and acceptance in maintaining self-respect.
When you have self-respect, you understand your worth and refuse to allow anyone to belittle or devalue you.
A person with high self-regard won’t stand for disrespectful behavior from others.
This could range from blatant disrespect, like name-calling or rudeness, to more subtle forms of disrespect, like constant lateness or repeated broken promises.
Remember, tolerating disrespect doesn’t make you a better person; it just lowers your self-esteem. Stand your ground and demand the respect you deserve.
2) Being taken for granted
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that people with deep self-respect never allow themselves to be taken for granted.
I remember a time when I consistently put in extra hours at work, hoping that my dedication would be recognized and rewarded. Instead, it became an expectation. My hard work was no longer appreciated; it was simply assumed.
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I soon realized this was not a reflection of my worth but rather a lack of respect from my employer. That’s when I decided to set boundaries and communicate my expectations clearly.
As iconic psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
This experience changed my awareness of myself and made me realize that I deserved better.
People with deep self-respect understand their value and make sure others recognize it too. They refuse to be taken for granted.
3) Emotional manipulation
Have you ever felt emotionally manipulated by someone in your life?
I’m talking about those times when someone tries to control or influence your feelings for their own gain. It’s a painful experience that people with deep self-respect refuse to tolerate.
Psychologist Dr. Wayne Dyer once said, “How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.”
This means that while we can’t control others’ actions, we can control our reactions to them.
People with true self-respect won’t allow themselves to be puppeteered by others’ emotional games.
They recognize manipulation when they see it and choose not to engage. They understand that their emotional wellbeing is worth more than any manipulative relationship.
Being aware of this behavior and refusing to tolerate it is a sign of deep self-respect.
4) Negativity and toxicity
People with deep self-respect are highly conscious of their surroundings, especially when it comes to negativity and toxicity. They refuse to tolerate it in their personal and professional lives.
A study found that exposure to negative people can cause stress, anxiety, and even physical health issues.
In the study, participants who were exposed to negativity showed signs of increased stress and a decrease in overall wellbeing. This underlines the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
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Those with deep self-respect make it a point to distance themselves from negative environments and toxic people.
They understand that their mental health is paramount and won’t allow it to be compromised by toxic behaviors or environments.
5) Lack of personal growth
Growing up, I was always taught the importance of personal growth. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me and shaped my understanding of self-respect.
People with deep self-respect never tolerate stagnation. They strive for constant personal growth and development, understanding that self-improvement is a lifelong journey.
Carl Jung, a well-known psychologist and psychoanalyst, once said, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”
Acceptance, in this context, doesn’t mean complacency. It means acknowledging your current state and striving to improve.
Individuals with high self-respect refuse to be stuck in a rut. They’re always aiming to be better, learn more, and grow as a person.
Whether it’s acquiring a new skill or overcoming a personal flaw, they consistently work towards becoming the best version of themselves.
6) Always being comfortable
This might seem counterintuitive, but people with deep self-respect don’t always opt for comfort. They understand that growth often happens outside of their comfort zone.
Psychologist M. Scott Peck once said:
“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”
Those with self-respect value personal development over temporary comfort. They’re not afraid to face challenges and confront uncomfortable situations if it means growing as a person.
They refuse to let the fear of discomfort hold them back from reaching their full potential. They choose growth over comfort, knowing that discomfort is temporary, but the lessons learned are forever.
7) Disregard for their time
Time is undeniably our most valuable resource. Those with deep self-respect understand this and refuse to tolerate disregard for their time.
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As psychologist William James put it, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
This includes choosing how we spend our time.
People with high self-regard value their time and refuse to let others waste it. They demand respect for their time, just as they respect others’ time.
Final reflections
Understanding and practicing self-respect is a journey, not a destination. It’s about setting boundaries, refusing to tolerate behaviors that diminish our worth, and continuously striving for personal growth.
As we navigate through life, it’s crucial to remember these behaviors that people with deep self-respect never tolerate.
Reflect on them, apply them where possible, and let them guide you towards a path of greater self-awareness and respect.
In the end, the respect we command from others is often a reflection of the respect we have for ourselves. By respecting ourselves and standing up for our worth, we encourage others to do the same.
So I’ll leave you with this thought – what does self-respect mean to you, and what are you willing to tolerate?
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