Maintain your Respect.

The more opportunities you provide to someone, the less respect they may develop for you.

They might start disregarding the standards you've established, assuming that another chance will always be granted. Their fear of losing you diminishes because they understand that you won't walk away, regardless of their actions. This comfort with relying on your forgiveness allows them to become complacent in showing disrespect.

It's important to never allow someone to become comfortable with disrespecting you.

I recently came across this quote "Never let a person get comfortable in disrespecting you" on my friend’s Instagram profile and found it thought-provoking. It has stayed with me, leading me to reflect on the topic and share my thoughts with you.

In this modern era dominated by social media, it has become increasingly challenging for women to navigate relationships and interactions with men. The ease of swiping, liking, direct messaging, and private conversations on platforms like Facebook/Instagram has lowered some of our guards, leading to behaviors that may not align with our moral standards.

Social media encourages impulsive actions, fostering a belief that certain behaviors, like sexting with strangers while in a relationship or engaging in late-night booty calls, are acceptable. This normalization of behavior without accountability creates an environment where disrespect flourishes. While there are numerous examples, I won't delve into all of them here.

You may wonder how all this relates to the initial quote. Consider this as a backdrop, as it sets the stage for men feeling comfortable disrespecting us. Social media and virtual interactions contribute to dysfunctional dynamics between genders and shape how we present ourselves in relationships. If we're content with casual encounters and men not showing interest beyond the initial interaction, we're inadvertently lowering our self-respect and allowing men to disrespect us.

For those seeking meaningful relationships and fairy tale love (yes, it does exist!), it's essential to stop settling for less to keep a half-hearted man around. If he doesn't show interest in a second date, delete his number. Mutual attraction is either there or it isn't. Don't accept being the second choice after a month. If you sense that someone is only interested in casual sex, cut the meeting short. You're not here to waste time or make new friends; we're all here to say no to hookups.

To those fixated on a crush who shows no signs of exclusivity, stop making excuses and move on. If you've given in multiple times without exclusivity, you've entered a purely physical relationship. It's a label that stings, especially if he becomes exclusive with someone else. You were merely a passing fling until he found someone with higher standards and self-respect.

How men treat you is a reflection of how you see and treat yourself.

Your self-image dictates how men perceive and approach you. In this competitive world, you must assert yourself and hold yourself in high regard. While forgiveness is acceptable on occasion, surrendering to social pressure and sacrificing your self-respect will never lead you to the crown and the partner you deserve.

Are you worthy of a crown or content with being just another follower?

That's a decision only you can make.