How to get treated with more respect in relationships
If you ask most people, they would call "love" the most important element of a relationship. But respect in relationships is equally important if you want to feel valued and cherished.
Without respect, it's hard to imagine a relationship fulfilling anyone's needs. We all need to feel recognized for who we are and what we bring to the table.
If you're in a relationship where respect is lacking, you might want to consider whether this is the right match for you.
But if you think it's worth working on and want to know how to get more respect for yourself, here are 6 strong strategies.
1. Put yourself first
Many people think putting themselves first means neglecting loved ones. In fact, when you put yourself first you're able to serve others more effectively.
Sometimes we put others' needs ahead of our own because we've been raised since childhood to do so. Putting our own needs first feels unnatural, but will become easier with practice.
Putting yourself first will help you become the person you were meant to be. You'll spend more time on things that bring you pleasure which will enhance your strengths.
When you put yourself first, you gain the respect of others. This is not game-playing or manipulation but a genuine decision to care for your mental health.
2. Set healthy boundaries to gain respect in relationships
Boundaries teach people how to treat you. When you lack boundaries, you let others dictate the terms of your relationship.
Relationships never get put to the test if you're constantly going along with what the other person wants. How will you know if they're only using you for what they can get if you never say 'no'?
3. Know your values
If you've been raised to become a people pleaser, you may not have a good grip on your values. You have no idea what you like or dislike because you've been too busy figuring out what other people want.
Knowing your values is essential to gaining respect in relationships. Rather than giving into someone else's wishes, values become a filter through which you make your decisions.
They guide you as you build and create your life rather than reacting to someone else's demands with self-abandonment.
4. Express yourself to get respect in relationships
Have you been hiding your true thoughts and feelings for fear of burdening your friend or partner? Or do you fear they'll leave you if they know what you really think?
Constantly agreeing with others or failing to share your opinions makes healthy people disrespect and pull away from you. It's mainly narcissists who want to surround themselves with "yes men".
5. Tend a secret garden
The French call the time a woman spends on her own doing something she loves a "secret garden". Set aside time in your schedule to take care of your needs this way.
Whether it's reading a novel, engaging in a hobby, or some other project, tending your secret garden will increase your respect in relationships.
You do it to stay connected to yourself and what you love. To remember that you don't need someone else to fulfill all your needs. The respect you gain is simply a bonus.
6. Communicate honestly
Never play games or try to manipulate your partner or friend into doing what you want. And don't expect them to read your mind, either!
The best way to get and maintain respect in relationships is to be bold and clear in your communication. That means expressing your needs openly and honestly. And speaking up when something is not working for you.