Being a strong woman isn’t about dominating the relationship or ruling with an iron fist. Instead, it’s about knowing your worth and standing up for your boundaries.
A strong woman knows what she deserves, and she’s not afraid to walk away from anything that doesn’t meet her standards.
Understanding what you should never tolerate in a relationship is a key part of this. And, as someone who’s been there, I’m here to tell you that there are some things a strong woman will just not put up with.
Here are nine non-negotiables that every strong woman should keep in mind when navigating the world of relationships.
1) Disrespect
There’s a saying that respect is earned, not given. But in a relationship, a basic level of respect should be a given.
A strong woman knows her worth and demands to be treated with kindness, consideration, and respect. She values her own opinions, feelings, and desires, and she expects her partner to do the same.
Disrespect can take many forms. It can be as blatant as name-calling or as subtle as constantly undermining her ideas. Either way, it’s a red flag that a strong woman will never ignore.
She understands that a partnership is about mutual respect and equality. If she feels she isn’t being treated with the respect she deserves, she won’t hesitate to address the issue head-on.
A strong woman knows that being in no relationship is far better than being in one where she isn’t treated with the respect and dignity she deserves.
2) Emotional manipulation
In my own life, I’ve learned the hard way about emotional manipulation. It’s a sneaky, destructive behavior that can easily go unnoticed until it’s too late.
I was in a relationship where my partner would frequently use guilt to get his way. If I wanted to spend an evening with friends, he’d make me feel bad for “abandoning” him. If I disagreed with his point of view, he’d accuse me of not caring about his feelings.
It took me a while to recognize this behavior for what it was – emotional manipulation. It was a strategy designed to control me and undermine my confidence.
And let me tell you, a strong woman won’t stand for this.
She understands the importance of maintaining her independence and self-esteem. She won’t allow anyone to guilt her into doing something she doesn’t want to do or make her feel bad for expressing her feelings.
Emotional manipulation is a no-go area, and she won’t hesitate to cut ties with anyone who tries to manipulate her emotions.
3) Lack of support
Behind every strong woman is a solid support system that she’s carefully curated, which often includes her romantic partner. This doesn’t mean she relies on them for her strength, but rather that they amplify it.
In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people with supportive partners are more likely to take on potentially rewarding challenges. These challenges can lead to increased personal growth, self-improvement, and accomplishment.
A strong woman knows the value of having a supportive partner – someone who encourages her dreams, celebrates her achievements, and stands by her during the challenging periods.
If she senses a lack of support from her partner, whether it’s about her career goals or personal endeavors, she won’t tolerate it.
She needs a partner who believes in her abilities as much as she does.
4) Dishonesty
Honesty is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. If trust is broken through lies, it can be incredibly difficult to rebuild.
A strong woman values truth and transparency in a relationship. She’s likely been through enough to know that the pain of dealing with a hard truth is far less damaging than discovering a lie.
Whether it’s about big issues or small white lies, dishonesty is something she won’t tolerate. She understands the importance of open communication and the role honesty plays in maintaining it.
She would rather face an uncomfortable truth than live in a comforting lie, and expects the same honesty from her partner.
5) Neglect
A relationship should never feel like a one-way street. It involves the active participation of both parties.
A strong woman knows that she deserves attention, affection and care in her relationship. She understands that being in a relationship is about sharing life’s moments and being there for each other.
If she feels neglected, whether emotionally or physically, she won’t turn a blind eye to it. She knows that love isn’t merely a word, but consistent actions that affirm it.
She’s not afraid to voice her needs and expects her partner to do their part in maintaining the connection.
After all, a strong woman knows her worth and won’t settle for anything less.
6) Loss of self
Every strong woman knows the importance of self-love and self-care. She cherishes her individuality and independence, and doesn’t compromise these for anyone, even in a relationship.
She’s worked hard to become the person she is today, and she’s proud of her accomplishments, her strengths, and even her flaws.
Therefore, any relationship that threatens to erase her identity is one she won’t tolerate. She won’t let herself be lost in the process of loving someone else. She knows that a healthy relationship should encourage her to flourish as an individual, not hinder her growth.
A strong woman loves deeply, but she’ll never allow a relationship to dim her light or overshadow her identity.
She knows it’s possible to maintain who she is while sharing her life with another.
7) Constant criticism
During my early twenties, I was in a relationship where my partner’s words were often laced with criticism. Whether it was about the way I dressed, the friends I chose, or the dreams I pursued, it felt like nothing about me was good enough.
This relentless criticism began to chip away at my self-esteem. I started doubting myself and the choices I made. It took me some time to realize that this wasn’t healthy or normal.
A strong woman like me, or any strong woman for that matter, will not tolerate constant criticism in a relationship. Constructive feedback is one thing, but persistent negativity is another.
She knows she’s not perfect and she’s okay with that. She also knows that she deserves a partner who loves and accepts her for who she is, not someone who makes her feel like she’s perpetually falling short.
8) Unresolved conflicts
Conflicts are inevitable in any relationship. It’s how they’re managed and resolved that makes the difference.
A strong woman isn’t afraid of conflicts. She knows they offer opportunities for growth and deeper understanding in a relationship. What she won’t tolerate, however, are conflicts that are swept under the rug and left unresolved.
She’s an advocate for open communication and understands that unresolved issues can lead to resentment and further discord down the line. She expects her partner to be mature enough to address disagreements head-on, instead of avoiding them or holding grudges.
She knows that a healthy relationship involves two people who are willing to work through conflicts together, not ignore them or let them fester.
9) Abuse of any kind
This should go without saying, but it’s so important that it must be said: a strong woman will never tolerate any form of abuse in a relationship.
Physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse – none of it is acceptable. She respects herself too much to allow anyone to harm her, whether it’s physically or psychologically.
She knows that love should never hurt, and she has the courage to walk away from any situation that threatens her safety, happiness or peace of mind.
No one should ever have to endure abuse, and a strong woman is no exception.
Final thoughts: It’s about self-respect
The crux of this discussion boils down to one key principle that every strong woman lives by: self-respect.
In every aspect of life, and particularly in relationships, self-respect is the bedrock upon which all else is built. It’s what guides her decisions, shapes her boundaries, and determines what she will and won’t tolerate.
This isn’t about being rigid or unyielding. It’s about knowing her worth and expecting nothing less from her partner. It’s about understanding that love is not about losing oneself but rather about finding a harmonious balance with another.
According to the American Psychological Association, people with high self-respect are more likely to have satisfying, healthy relationships. They know their value and aren’t afraid to assert their needs and wants.
So take a moment to reflect on this. Consider the value you place on yourself and how it translates into your relationships. Remember, a strong woman knows that the first step towards receiving respect from others is to respect oneself.
In the end, a strong woman’s strength lies not just in her ability to face the world but also in her courage to demand the love and respect she deserves.
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