It’s essential to understand that our actions often speak louder than our words.

For women, this rings particularly true when it comes to self-respect. Sometimes, without even realizing it, certain behaviors can signal a lack of self-respect.

Indeed, there are specific actions or habits that can unintentionally portray this lack of regard for oneself. And understanding these patterns can be the first step towards addressing and improving them.

In this article, we’ll delve into 9 behaviors typically displayed by women who unknowingly lack self-respect.

1) Constantly seeking validation

We all seek reassurance and approval from time to time, it’s part of human nature. But there’s a line where this need for validation becomes unhealthy.

Women who lack self-respect often find themselves constantly seeking validation from others, particularly in their relationships. This could be in the form of fishing for compliments, incessantly asking for opinions on personal decisions, or constantly checking up on whether they’re doing things right.

It’s a behavior that stems from a place of insecurity and lack of self-belief. It’s as if they’re outsourcing their self-worth to other people, allowing others’ opinions to dictate their value.

Recognizing this behavior is the first step towards reclaiming self-respect. It’s about understanding that your worth should not be determined by the validation or approval of others, but by your own belief in your capabilities and worth.

2) Over-apologizing

I’ve been guilty of this one myself. I used to find myself saying sorry for everything, even when it wasn’t my fault. I’d apologize for being a few minutes late, for not being able to help someone with their workload, and even for expressing my own feelings and thoughts.

This constant act of apologizing was a clear sign of my lack of self-respect. It was as if I was apologizing for my very existence, assuming that every inconvenience or discomfort caused to others was my fault.

Over time, I realized that this behavior was detrimental to my self-worth. It gave others the impression that I was always at fault, and this constant self-blaming was eating away at my confidence.

So, I made an effort to break this habit. I started by recognizing when an apology was genuinely needed and when it was just a reflex action stemming from my lack of self-respect.

This conscious effort towards change helped me regain my self-respect and build healthier relationships with others.

3) Ignoring personal boundaries

Boundaries are vital for healthy relationships and self-respect. They help us define what we are comfortable with and what we consider acceptable behavior from others.

However, some women who lack self-respect find it hard to establish and maintain personal boundaries. They may allow others to make demands of their time and energy that they’re not comfortable with, or tolerate behavior that they shouldn’t.

A study found that individuals with low self-esteem tend to have weaker boundaries and are more likely to let others infringe upon them. This is often because they fear rejection or disapproval.

But learning to set and respect personal boundaries is an essential step towards building self-respect. It’s about understanding your worth and standing up for your own needs and rights.

4) Neglecting self-care

Self-care is not just about pampering yourself with spa days and chocolate cakes. It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Women lacking in self-respect often find themselves neglecting their own needs. This could take the form of not getting enough sleep, eating poorly, or ignoring their mental health needs. They may put others’ needs before their own to the point of self-neglect.

This behavior often stems from the belief that their needs are not as important as those of others. However, it’s important to remember that caring for yourself is not selfish. It’s crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself and others.

Recognizing and addressing this neglect is a vital step towards building self-respect.

5) Tolerating disrespect

Respect is a fundamental aspect of all healthy relationships. However, women who struggle with self-respect often find themselves tolerating disrespectful behavior from others.

This could be in the form of verbal insults, belittling comments, or even physical abuse. They may feel that they deserve this treatment or fear the consequences of standing up for themselves.

However, accepting disrespect from others only perpetuates the cycle of low self-respect. It’s important to remember that no one deserves to be treated poorly.

Having self-respect is about realizing that you have the right to be treated with kindness, consideration, and respect at all times. It’s also about understanding that standing up for yourself is not only okay but necessary for your self-esteem and overall wellbeing.

6) Settling for less

Life can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean we should settle for less than we deserve, especially when it comes to relationships and opportunities.

Some women with low self-respect often find themselves settling for less, believing they don’t deserve better. They may stay in unhealthy relationships, accept jobs that underpay them, or let go of their ambitions and dreams.

It’s heartbreaking to see someone’s potential being stifled by their own lack of self-belief.

Every woman deserves to be loved properly, to pursue a career that fulfills her, and to chase her dreams without the fear of falling short.

Related: 9 stories from the Bible that teach us the power of forgiveness

7) Struggling to say “no”

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve found myself in situations I didn’t want to be in, simply because I struggled to say “no”. Whether it was an unwanted task at work or a social event that I didn’t have the energy for, I always found it difficult to assert my wishes.

This inability to say “no” often signals a lack of self-respect. It’s a sign that you’re prioritizing others’ wants and needs over your own, sometimes to the point of your own discomfort or detriment.

However, with time, I’ve learned that saying “no” is not about being selfish or unkind. It’s about respecting your own time, energy, and needs. And understanding that it’s okay to prioritize yourself when necessary.

Realizing this has been a crucial step in regaining my self-respect and establishing healthier relationships with those around me.

8) Comparing themselves to others

Comparison can be a dangerous game. While a little competition can sometimes motivate us to strive for better, constantly comparing oneself to others can be damaging to one’s self-respect.

Women who lack self-respect often find themselves trapped in this cycle of comparison. They may constantly measure their worth, success, or attractiveness against others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

However, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. We all have our own paths, our own strengths, and our own challenges.

Recognizing and breaking free from this constant comparison is a vital step towards building self-respect.

9) Internalizing failure

We all fail at times. It’s a part of life. But the way we perceive and handle our failures can say a lot about our self-respect.

Women who lack self-respect often internalize their failures. They may see it as a reflection of their worth or capabilities, leading to self-blame and criticism.

However, it’s crucial to understand that failure is not a measure of your worth. It’s merely a part of the learning process, a stepping stone towards success.

Recognizing this is the most important step towards building self-respect. It’s about shifting your perspective from failure as a personal defect to failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.