Just A Friendly Reminder 🎀
Let me say it louder if you didn’t read the caption loud enough! You are not required to tolerate behaviors that you would not give to others!
I lived my life believing that I had to be the bigger person and deal with behavior that was deeply upsetting to me.
I was constantly reaffirming to myself that people are all on a learning journey, and that I need to deal with them at their worst because they are still learning. I did my best to not internalize the things that they said, did, and believed about me when it was deeply concerning and hurtful to me.
Through a lot of self reflection, I realized that I have one life and I don’t owe it to anybody who do not think kindly about me, people like me, or say and do mean things.
I’ve personally found that recognizing the limits of what behaviors to tolerate is a powerful act of self-care. For a long time, I thought being 'the bigger person' meant accepting hurtful treatment silently, but that approach left me feeling drained and undervalued. It helped me understand the importance of setting clear personal boundaries — not as a way to push people away, but as a means to protect my emotional health. When we stop tolerating behaviors that we wouldn’t allow in our own actions toward others, we send a strong message about our worth and cultivate healthier relationships. It also encourages others to reflect on their own behavior around us. One practical approach I embraced was to actively practice self-reflection whenever I felt upset by someone's actions. This helped me distinguish between what I could compassionately overlook and what I should confront or distance myself from. Embracing vulnerability alongside self-love helped me be honest with both myself and others, fostering authentic connections instead of enduring toxic dynamics. Remember, your journey involves growth for both you and those around you. However, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being above the expectation to tolerate negativity or disrespect. You deserve to be treated with the same kindness and respect that you show to others, and refusing to accept less is an essential step toward healthier living.
❤️