One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.
Stop Letting Them Hurt You
Kids, start mastering self value. Meaning, valuing oneself as one should. This isn’t some inspection or audit or valuation. It's about not letting people take advantage of you, not letting them hurt you over and over again. I've been there, and believe me, it's a tough lesson to learn. But it's crucial for your well-being.
First things first: people will show you who they are. It's as simple and as complicated as that. They may not do it with words, but their actions will scream the truth.
You know those little red flags that pop up? Those aren’t just random; they're insights into someone's true character. And here's the kicker: when you call them out, when you point out these inconsistencies, they’ll often tell you you’re wrong.
They'll try to paint a different picture, to make you doubt your judgment. But here's the thing – believe them the first time. Believe the actions, not the backpedaling words.
People will say what they feel they should, even if it doesn’t jive with what they believe. However, if you want to know what one believes, watch them. They will act out what they believe even when they’re saying something else completely.
It's a hard pill to swallow, realizing that someone you care about, someone you've invested time and emotions in, might just be taking advantage of your good nature. But the sooner you accept this, the sooner you can start protecting yourself.
You see, there's a pattern here: if someone hurts you once and gets away with it, they're more likely to do it again. And each time, it chips away a little more of your self-esteem, your sense of worth.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I'm not saying people can't change or that mistakes don't happen. They do. We're all human, after all. But there's a vast difference between a genuine mistake and a pattern of behavior.
A mistake is an anomaly, a hiccup in someone's usual way of treating you. A pattern is a habit, a consistent way someone chooses to behave. Recognizing this difference is crucial.
So, what do you do? First, set boundaries. Firm, non-negotiable boundaries. It's like drawing a line in the sand and saying, "You can come this far and no further." And then, stand by them. If someone repeatedly crosses these lines, it's a clear signal they don't respect you or your boundaries. And respect, my dear, is non-negotiable.
Next, practice self-care. This isn't just about bubble baths and spa days. It's about giving yourself the love and respect you deserve. It's about affirming to yourself that you are worthy, that you deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. When you start treating yourself right, you set the standard for how others should treat you.
And lastly, don't be afraid to walk away. Sometimes, the most potent act of self-love is to remove yourself from a toxic situation. It's not giving up; it's choosing to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. It's acknowledging that you deserve better and having the courage to seek it.
Remember, just because someone says they care for you, it doesn't mean they'll treat you right. Actions speak louder than words. So watch closely, listen carefully, and above all, trust your instincts. You’ve got this, and I believe in you.
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It's particularly challenging when the people who are practicing unkindness are one's own family. Thank-you for writing this and the advice. :)
Good article. I’ve experienced this in my own family, it’s hard to walk away but it’s necessary