There’s a stark difference between having self-respect and being self-centered.

Self-respect revolves around knowing your worth and setting boundaries. It’s about not letting others dictate your value or treat you poorly.

On the flip side, being self-centered is all about putting your needs above everyone else’s, without consideration for their feelings or wellbeing.

People with self-respect are acutely aware of certain behaviors they won’t tolerate from others.

They know that accepting such behavior would mean compromising their self-worth.

Below, we delve into the 9 behaviors that individuals with a strong sense of self-respect never allow from others.

1) Disrespectful comments

Nobody’s perfect, and we all make mistakes. That’s a fact of life.

But for someone with self-respect, there’s a clear line between constructive criticism and outright disrespect.

It’s one thing to have someone point out areas where you could improve — that’s actually beneficial.

Constructive feedback helps us grow and become better versions of ourselves.

However, it’s a completely different story when someone starts making derogatory remarks or belittling you.

This is not about helping you improve; it’s about making you feel less than what you are.

People with genuine self-respect will not tolerate such behavior.

They understand that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, regardless of their flaws or mistakes.

But remember, standing up against disrespect doesn’t mean being aggressive or rude in return.

It’s about calmly asserting your worth and setting clear boundaries on how you wish to be treated.

2) Being taken for granted

There was a time in my life when I felt like I was constantly giving, but rarely receiving.

I was always there for others, always ready to lend a hand, and yet, it seemed like my efforts went unnoticed.

I realized that I was being taken for granted.

It was a subtle feeling at first: the missed ‘thank you’s, the expectations that I would always be available, the lack of reciprocity.

It slowly dawned on me that my kindness was seen as a given, not as a gift.

That’s when I understood that people with self-respect don’t tolerate being taken for granted.

They understand the value of their time, their efforts, and their presence. They know that these are gifts to be given, not obligations to be met.

So I made changes. I started setting boundaries and expressing my feelings more openly. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

And in the long run, it helped me maintain my self-respect and cultivate healthier relationships.

3) Emotional manipulation

Emotional manipulation is a covert way of controlling and influencing other people’s behavior, often through guilt, fear or obligation.

It’s a tactic commonly used by individuals who lack empathy and have a need for power and control.

The fascinating thing about emotional manipulation is that it often goes unnoticed.

The manipulator may use subtle tactics like gaslighting – making you question your own perception of reality, or playing the victim to elicit sympathy and compliance.

People with self-respect are typically quick to recognize such behavior.

They understand their emotional landscape and won’t tolerate being manipulated into feeling or behaving in a certain way.

They value their emotional autonomy and firmly believe in the principle of mutual respect in any interaction.

4) Constant negativity

Being around someone who’s perpetually negative can drain your energy and impact your mood. It’s like being caught in a rain cloud that never seems to lift.

People with self-respect are acutely aware of this.

They understand the effect that such negativity can have on their wellbeing and they choose not to tolerate it.

That’s not to say they abandon friends in times of need. On the contrary, they’re often there for those who are going through a tough time.

But there’s a clear distinction between supporting someone and allowing constant negativity to permeate their personal space.

They know their mental health is vital and they choose to surround themselves with positivity.

Not because they’re running away from reality, but because they understand the power of a positive environment.

5) Violation of personal boundaries

We all have our personal space, physically and emotionally. These boundaries are a reflection of our self-respect and an indication of how we expect to be treated.

For instance, if you’ve communicated that you don’t appreciate unsolicited advice, but someone continually offers it, they’re crossing your boundary.

People with self-respect don’t tolerate this. They understand the importance of maintaining their personal boundaries and respect those of others in return.

They’re not afraid to communicate when a line has been crossed and are firm in their stance.

After all, how can you respect others if you can’t respect yourself? And part of that self-respect is acknowledging and preserving your personal boundaries.

6) Unfair treatment

In a world that often seems unjust, it’s easy to fall into the trap of accepting unfair treatment.

Perhaps it’s a biased boss, a one-sided friendship, or a romantic relationship where you’re always the one compromising.

People with self-respect, however, understand that they deserve fairness in all aspects of life. They believe in their worth and won’t tolerate being treated as less than equal.

It’s not about entitlement or expecting special treatment. It’s about acknowledging that everyone, including themselves, deserves respect and fairness.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all humans on this journey together. And everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and fairness along the way.

7) Disloyalty

I’ve always valued loyalty. To me, it’s a cornerstone of any relationship, whether it’s a friendship, a romantic partnership, or even a professional association.

So, when I was betrayed by a close friend, it felt like the ground underneath me had shifted. It was a painful reminder that not everyone shared my values.

That experience taught me that people with self-respect don’t tolerate disloyalty.

They understand the importance of trust in relationships and won’t allow anyone to betray that trust without consequence.

8) Dismissal of their feelings

We all have feelings and emotions, and they play a crucial role in our lives. They guide our decisions, influence our relationships, and shape our perception of the world around us.

People with self-respect understand this. They value their emotions and won’t tolerate them being dismissed or invalidated.

They know that their feelings are just as important as anyone else’s and should be acknowledged and respected.

After all, dismissing someone’s feelings is a form of disrespect, and those with self-respect won’t stand for it.

9) Lack of respect for their time

Time is the one thing we can never get back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

People with self-respect understand the value of their time.

They won’t tolerate others who don’t respect it, whether it’s through constant lateness, cancellations, or expecting them to be available at all times.

This isn’t about being rigid or inflexible. It’s about understanding that your time is precious and should be respected.

Because when someone respects your time, they’re showing respect for you as a person. And that’s something everyone deserves.

Final thought: It’s about self-worth

The concept of self-respect is deeply intertwined with our sense of self-worth.

When people with self-respect refuse to tolerate certain behaviors from others, it’s not out of arrogance or a sense of superiority. Instead, it stems from a profound awareness of their worth.

They understand that allowing such behaviors would mean undermining their own value. And they choose not to do that.

Because at the end of the day, your relationship with yourself sets the tone for all other relationships in your life. And if you don’t respect yourself, how can you expect others to?