If a man lies to me, I know he’s dishonest. If he ignores me, I know he’s disrespectful.

This is Relationship 101.

But some things aren’t so black and white.

Actually, deciphering what we will and won’t tolerate in relationships is a complex process, as nuanced as the human psyche itself.

Strong women, however? We’ve got it down to an art.

And that’s largely because we refuse to put up with these 8 specific behaviors.

Welcome to the crash course in understanding the relationship standards of a strong woman.

1) Disrespect

Now, this one seems obvious.

If a man belittles me, I know he’s showing disrespect.

If he doesn’t consider my feelings, I know he’s being thoughtless.

But what happens when it’s not so clear-cut? Relationships are tricky, and lines of respect can sometimes blur.

Strong women, though? We see through the haze. And that’s largely because we have a zero-tolerance policy for any hint of disrespect.

We can spot subtle signs like constant interruptions, dismissive attitudes, and lack of consideration for our time.

It doesn’t matter how well-hidden these red flags are; we always pick up on them.

Because when you’re a strong woman, respect isn’t just expected – it’s demanded.

Pretty empowering, isn’t it?

2) Dishonesty

Trust me on this one…

I remember being in a relationship where things just didn’t add up.

Odd behaviors, unexplained absences, vague answers – the signs were there.

But being a strong woman, I wasn’t about to let dishonesty slide.

When inconsistencies began to pile up, I took a deep breath and confronted him.

Long story short, he had been hiding things from me, thinking I wouldn’t find out.

Strong women like myself? We don’t turn a blind eye to dishonesty.

We tackle it head-on because we know that trust is the cornerstone of any lasting relationship.

That was a tough lesson, but it taught me to never settle for less than complete transparency.

And let me tell you, it’s been liberating ever since.

3) Control

In the animal kingdom, dominance and control can often dictate survival. But in human relationships? That’s a different story.

Strong women know the difference between a partner who genuinely cares and one who’s trying to control them.

We understand the importance of personal freedom and individuality in a relationship.

We won’t tolerate being told what to wear, who to hang out with, or how to live our lives.

We know our worth, and we won’t let anyone undermine our autonomy.

Because just like birds need the sky to fly, we need freedom to thrive.

And no strong woman is willing to clip her own wings.

4) Neglect

There’s a silent killer in relationships, and it’s not as dramatic as explosive fights or blatant disrespect. It’s neglect.

Strong women are acutely aware of this.

We understand that love isn’t just about grand gestures and declarations; it’s also about the little things.

We won’t settle for a relationship where our needs, feelings, or opinions are consistently overlooked or ignored.

We know that every conversation, every shared moment, every glance exchanged matters.

Because at the end of the day, we understand that love is about being present and engaged, not just physically there.

And no strong woman would accept anything less.

5) Manipulation

This one is a big no-no for me.

I’ve seen it happen, even experienced it myself, where a partner uses guilt, blame, or even love as tools for manipulation.

It’s a sneaky and destructive behavior that can slowly chip away at your self-esteem.

But being a strong woman, I’ve learned to identify these patterns.

I won’t stand for veiled threats, emotional blackmail, or any form of manipulation in a relationship.

Because I know that love is about respect and equality, not power games.

And I’m sure as hell not playing along with anyone’s manipulative tactics.

6) Over-dependence

Yes, relationships are about companionship and support, but there’s a fine line between being supportive and becoming someone’s entire world.

Strong women, we value our independence and encourage the same in our partners.

We won’t tolerate a relationship where we’re expected to be the sole source of happiness, comfort, or validation for our partners.

We understand that a healthy relationship consists of two complete individuals complementing each other, not one person losing themselves in the other.

Because at the end of the day, love isn’t about losing your identity; it’s about growing together while still being true to who you are.

7) Lack of support

Imagine having a dream, a goal that you’re working tirelessly towards.

Now imagine having a partner who isn’t supportive or worse, belittles your ambition.

For strong women, this is a deal-breaker.

We’re not just looking for a partner; we’re looking for a cheerleader, a confidante, someone who believes in us even when we falter.

We won’t settle for a relationship where our dreams and aspirations aren’t taken seriously.

Because at the end of the day, we know that true love is about building each other up, not tearing each other down.

And we won’t accept anything less.

8) Emotional abuse

This is a big one, and it’s non-negotiable.

Strong women know that love should never hurt – not in the way emotional abuse does.

We won’t tolerate any form of humiliation, constant criticism, or attempts to isolate us from our loved ones.

We understand that these are signs of emotional abuse, and we’re not afraid to call it out.

Because we know that real love is about kindness, respect, and mutual understanding.

And that’s something every strong woman knows she deserves.

In conclusion

If you’ve reached this point, you’ve understood the essence of what it means to be a strong woman in a relationship.

Because being strong isn’t about being unyielding or rigid.

It’s about understanding your worth, setting your boundaries, and refusing to compromise on the fundamental aspects of respect, honesty, and freedom.

A strong woman isn’t just someone who won’t put up with these 8 behaviors.

She’s someone who understands her value and asserts it in every aspect of her life.

If this resonates with you, then know that you’re not just a strong woman. You’re also an inspiration to those around you.

In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

A powerful reminder that strength starts from within, and it’s a force that no one can take away from you.

Reflect on that.