No Self-Respecting Woman Will Say These 9 Demeaning Statements About Herself
Anhelina Vasylyk | PexelsIt can be easy to fall into the trap of self-deprecation. When we say negative things to ourselves, we begin to believe them, and it can change the way others view us.
But a self-respecting woman would never put herself down. Even if she's not completely comfortable with all aspects of who she is, she transforms that discomfort into confidence.
A self-respecting woman would never say these demeaning statements about herself
1. 'I don't want to be a burden'
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One of the biggest lies women tell themselves is that they're a burden for expressing how they feel. By keeping her emotions bottled up in fear of being too much, she likely struggles with low self-esteem.
These women will apologize constantly for things that don't warrant it and minimize their own needs. When somebody asks what's wrong, they'll say "I'm fine," even when they're not. They feel guilty for opening up because they don't want others to worry about them.
But self-respecting women know that it's essential to talk about their emotions, and that the people who love them most will listen without judgment. Instead of feeling like a burden, they see vulnerability as a strength.
2. 'I look so gross today'
Even the most confident women have insecurities about the way they look, especially thanks to the expectations and impossible standards society holds them to. But a woman who respects herself doesn't let it get to her.
These women practice self-compassion and body gratitude in order to combat the outside noise. They eat nutritious foods for nourishment and respect their bodies without trying to change it. Instead of viewing their bodies as a prison, they thank it for keeping them alive.
A woman who is truly confident in herself understands that her body is the least interesting thing about her. She can feel comfortable in her looks and also recognize that her value extends beyond her appearance.
3. 'I can't do anything right'
Women that put themselves down often speak in absolutes. They're constantly saying things like "I can never get it right" or "I always miss the mark" because they're used to bringing themselves down, even at the smallest of errors.
Self-respecting women, on the other hand, show themselves the same forgiveness and understanding they would a friend. Before beating themselves up for making a mistake, they reassess the situation and refuse to be that hard on themselves.
Having self-compassion not only helps people feel better about themselves, but has incredible physical and mental benefits like lower levels of anxiety and triggering oxytocin.
4. 'Maybe I should lower my standards'
When people settle for less, it's a reflection of their self-esteem rather than what they're capable of receiving. By lowering their standards, they're making themselves susceptible to toxic situations. They're inviting people to treat them with no respect and get away with it.
Self-respecting women want people to treat them with just as much respect as they show themselves. They command respect from others, and never sacrifice their boundaries just to placate someone.
5. 'I'm not special'
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When someone tells themselves they aren't special, they're convinced they're unworthy of love. It's a toxic mindset that compares their uniqueness and makes them believe others are more deserving.
Comparison is the thief of joy. We're all unique because we each have individual achievements and ideas that set us apart.
Women who respect themselves recognize their accomplishments and work just as much as the people around them. Instead of telling themselves they're not special and minimizing their achievements, they celebrate their small successes.
6. 'Never mind, it's not important'
Women with a high sense of self-respect have learned that what they bring to the table is valuable. When they're in an argument or are interrupted, they still make a conscious effort to make their voice heard. This makes people naturally respect them.
But by saying "never mind, it's not important," it's like admitting that you're not worthy of being heard. Actively choosing not to communicate can muddy relationships and leave everyone confused and guessing.
If self-respecting women weren't heard the first time, they'll calmly repeat themselves or express their frustrations. They value honest communication and relationships based on trust and understanding.
7. 'I'm sorry, I'm rambling'
Some people associate wanting attention with being selfish, but this is because they're confusing attention-seeking with commanding attention. Everybody needs and deserves attention, and they shouldn't feel guilty for wanting it.
When a self-respecting woman is excitedly talking about something that interests her, she doesn't feel bad about it. If she's surrounded herself with people who treat her with respect, they won't be bored and will actively listen to what she has to say.
Unfortunately, when people don't let themselves talk, they're prioritizing others' needs above their own. They're allowing themselves to think that whatever the other person has to say is more important, and that they don't deserve the time and attention.
8. 'I'm too much to handle'
A woman that truly respects herself will never, ever apologize for being who she is. She keeps people around her who have similar interests and personalities, so she feels seen and understood.
Oftentimes, the same women that call themselves a burden are the same ones who think they're too much. It's a sign of low self-esteem, and is often a reflection of being told by the others that they're exhausting.
Confident women don't think they are weird or sensitive. These women embrace their passions and participate in activities without worrying what others will think.
9. 'I'm not smart enough'
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There are things that come easier to some, and that's okay. But just because someone hasn't picked a hobby up on the first try, it doesn't mean they never will or that they're not smart enough to understand.
When people tell themselves they aren't capable of learning something new, they're feeding into a fixed mindset, where they believe they can't change their abilities or intelligence.
But rather than saying "I'm not smart enough," confident women don't let their shortcomings become a limitation. When they face challenges, they hype themselves up to complete the task. Instead of viewing a lack of knowledge about something as a bad thing, they see it as an opportunity to grow.
Gabrielle Mattes is a writer working towards a Creative Writing degree. Her focus is lifestyle, wellness, human interest, and relationships.
