I’ve been there. Maybe you have too.

You see, there’s this thing about self-esteem: when it’s running low, we tend to put up with things that we shouldn’t have to. Disrespectful behaviors, for instance.

You convince yourself that it’s nothing, that it’s just how things are. Yet, deep down, you can’t shake off that nagging feeling of discomfort. The silent whispers in your mind that try to tell you: this is not okay.

But you dismiss it. After all, you’ve been doing this for so long, it feels almost normal. Besides, who are you to demand better?

This is where the danger lies.

Without even realizing it, you can get so used to these disrespectful behaviors that they become a part of your daily life. And the worst part? You think that’s all you deserve.

In today’s article, we’re going to explore these 8 disrespectful behaviors that women with low self-esteem often put up with, without even realizing it.

Because here’s the thing: everyone deserves respect and kindness. Yes, even you. Especially you.

We’ll delve into this often overlooked aspect of personal relationships and hopefully shed some light on those subtle signs that indicate disrespect.

You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself…and others.

1) Tolerating belittling comments

This is a tricky one because these comments often come dressed up as jokes. And you know what? They might make you laugh too, at least initially.

But then, they start to sting. It’s a subtle thing, like the prick of a thorn. It’s not severe enough to make you cry out in pain, but it’s there, nonetheless, causing discomfort.

Here’s the thing: comments that belittle you or make you feel less than are not okay. They’re not just harmless jokes; they’re a form of disrespect.

And yet, we often put up with them. Why? Because we think it’s okay. We convince ourselves that it’s just their way of being funny or that they didn’t mean to hurt us.

But let me tell you this: even if it was unintentional, it doesn’t make it right. You have every right to stand up for yourself and demand respect.

Remember, we’re all worthy of respect and kindness – no matter what our self-esteem tells us.

2) Accepting constant criticism

I can’t count the number of times I’ve found myself in this situation.

For me, it was about my cooking. I used to love cooking, experimenting with different flavors and cuisines, the whole experience was therapeutic for me. Then, I met someone who had a lot to say about my culinary skills.

Every time I cooked, there’d be a comment. It was too salty, too bland, overcooked, undercooked – you name it. Initially, I brushed it off, tried to take it constructively. But it wasn’t constructive, it was just criticism. Constant criticism.

I began to believe that maybe I really was a terrible cook. My love for cooking started to wane, replaced by a sense of dread every time I stepped into the kitchen.

This is what constant criticism does. It eats at your self-esteem until there’s nothing left but self-doubt and insecurity.

And the saddest part? You start accepting it as your new normal. But let me tell you something: It’s not normal and it’s definitely not okay.

3) Ignoring disrespect because of love

As Maya Angelou once said, “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”

I’ve always found this quote to be extremely powerful, and yet, how often do we forget it? How often do we allow ourselves to be an option in someone else’s life while making them our priority?

Love is a beautiful thing, it’s true. It has the power to lift us up, to make us feel invincible. But it also has the potential to blind us, to make us ignore clear signs of disrespect.

We tell ourselves that it’s okay, that we can put up with it because we love them. That their happiness matters more than our own. But that isn’t love, that’s self-sacrifice.

Allowing someone to disrespect you because you love them isn’t a testament of your love for them; it’s a testament of your lack of love for yourself.

Remember, you are worthy of respect and you should never settle for less just because you love someone.

4) Staying silent to avoid conflict

Did you know that women are socially conditioned to avoid conflict more than men? It’s true. From a young age, girls are often taught to be polite, to not cause a fuss, to ‘be nice’.

And while there’s nothing wrong with being nice, it becomes problematic when it leads to you tolerating disrespectful behavior.

I’ve been there too, biting my tongue to avoid an argument, ignoring the disrespect because I didn’t want to ‘rock the boat’.

But here’s what I’ve learned over time: avoiding conflict doesn’t make the problem go away. It simply buries it deeper, allowing it to fester and grow.

What’s worse is when we start believing that our feelings aren’t valid, that we’re being too sensitive or overreacting. But your feelings are valid. If something is bothering you, you have every right to express it.

Staying silent and tolerating disrespectful behavior isn’t being nice; it’s self-denial. And trust me, it’s not worth it. It’s time we reclaim our voice and demand the respect we deserve.

5) Taking on blame unnecessarily

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve taken the blame for things that weren’t my fault.

From something as simple as a misplaced item to something as complex as a failed project at work, it was always easier for me to shoulder the blame than to stand up and say, “No, this wasn’t my fault.”

But why do we do this? Why do we instinctively take the blame even when we know deep down that we’re not at fault?

It’s because low self-esteem often makes us feel like we’re always in the wrong. We think that if something goes wrong, it must be because of us. This mindset is not only harmful but also completely untrue.

Remember, taking on unnecessary blame isn’t a sign of humility or responsibility. It’s a sign of disrespect towards yourself.

You are not always at fault, and you have every right to stand up for yourself when you’re being unfairly blamed. You deserve respect, not just from others but from yourself too.

6) Allowing boundaries to be crossed

We all have our boundaries, our personal limits that we set for ourselves. They could be related to our time, our personal space, or even our mental peace.

For me, it was about my personal space. I value my alone time, my little corner of peace and quiet where I can recharge.

Yet, I found myself constantly allowing people to invade this space because I didn’t want to come off as rude or standoffish. And every time my boundaries were crossed, I could feel my self-esteem taking a hit.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Your boundaries are important. They’re a part of who you are and what you value. And if someone constantly crosses these boundaries without your consent, it’s a clear sign of disrespect.

It’s not rude to assert your boundaries. It’s necessary for your own mental well-being. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, can you?

So, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for asserting your boundaries. You have every right to protect your personal limits and demand respect for the same.

7) Constantly seeking validation

I spent years of my life constantly seeking validation from others. Whether it was my appearance, my work, or even my personality, I felt the need to have it validated by someone else.

Why did I do this? Why was their approval so important to me?

It’s because when your self-esteem is low, you rely on others to validate your worth. You start believing that you’re not good enough unless someone else says you are.

But here’s the thing: You don’t need anyone else’s validation to know your worth. You are enough just as you are.

Seeking constant validation is not only exhausting but also a sign of disrespect towards yourself. You’re essentially saying that your opinion about yourself doesn’t matter unless it’s validated by someone else.

But let me tell you this: Your opinion about yourself is the only one that truly matters.

So, stop seeking validation from others and start believing in yourself. Because you are worthy of respect, not because someone else says so, but because you believe so.

8) Staying in relationships that don’t serve you

I’ve saved the hardest for the last. Relationships that don’t serve you, relationships that drain you, relationships that constantly make you feel less than.

Sometimes it’s a friendship, sometimes it’s a romantic relationship, and sometimes, it’s even a relationship with a family member.

For me, it was a friendship, a long one, that I held onto even though it was clear as day that it wasn’t serving me. I was constantly put down, made to feel like I was less. Yet, I stayed.

Why? Because my low self-esteem convinced me that I didn’t deserve better. That this was as good as it gets for me.

But here’s the hard truth: Staying in a relationship that doesn’t serve you is one of the highest forms of self-disrespect.

No relationship is worth sacrificing your self-respect and self-esteem for. You deserve to be in relationships that lift you up, that respect you, and that make you feel loved and valued.

If a relationship consistently makes you feel bad about yourself, it’s time to reconsider its place in your life. Remember, you deserve respect and love, both from others and from yourself.

Embracing the journey towards self-respect

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, know that you’re not alone. Many of us have been there, and many are still wading through this journey.

But here’s the thing: This doesn’t define you. Low self-esteem is not a life sentence, and with awareness and effort, you can break free from these patterns of disrespect.

Start with recognizing these behaviors. Pay attention when you find yourself tolerating disrespect or seeking validation. Note down the instances when you silence your voice or cross your boundaries to please others.

Asking yourself in those situations – Is this what I truly deserve? Is this reflective of my worth? Can I demand better for myself?

Change doesn’t happen in a day. It’s a gradual process, a series of small steps taken consistently towards valuing yourself more.

And as you embark on this journey, remember to be patient with yourself. Celebrate every little victory, every time you stand up for yourself, and every time you demand the respect you deserve.

In the words of Maya Angelou, “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”

You deserve respect, kindness, and love – not because someone else says so, but because you believe so. And that belief is the first step towards embracing the life you deserve.