I stand up for myself when others try to tear me down
I understand that there is a distinct difference between being nice to others and letting people take advantage of me. Based on this, when I feel offended by others’ comments and feel as if their comments are mean spirited, I stand up for myself.
I am the type of person that likes to avoid conflict and I generally tend to agree with others simply for the sake of avoiding an uncomfortable situation. I do not look for fights, I try to get along with everyone.
However, my efforts to avoid conflict stop when others deliberately try to tear me down. I have a right to stand up for myself and I make it a point to set boundaries for others when they say something that hurts my feelings.
When I choose to allow others to walk all over me, I pay the price emotionally later on.Yes, I like to live in harmony. But when I choose to allow others to walk all over me, I pay the price emotionally later on. Therefore, I choose to protect myself by standing up for myself. When someone attacks my competence or negatively affect my emotions, I choose to say something.
I am comfortable speaking my mind when necessary. And, since I make this a habit, the instances where others intentionally try to tear me down are few and far between.
Today, I am my own best friend. I am firm when I stand my ground and diplomatic in my approach. Nevertheless, I am an adult and I am entitled to defend myself. The responsibility for how I feel and how I respond is mine.
Questions for Self-Reflection:
- Have I told my friends and family how their comments make me feel?
- Do I tend to read too much into simple statements that have no underlying meaning?
- Do I have the strength to eliminate toxic friendships from my life?