Self Respect – A Reminder to Be There for Yourself | by Anonymous | Aug, 2025

I don’t really know why I titled this post Self Respect. Maybe it’s because there’s a storm inside me—an ache I can’t ignore—about people I once believed would always hold me as a priority, but in reality, I never even made the list.

It feels like in today’s world, this has become more common than we care to admit. Maybe it’s not that it wasn’t happening before—maybe now people are just finally speaking up about it. Feeling like an outsider in your own family or social circle is quietly becoming a shared experience. And yet, each time it happens, it cuts just as deep.

My story isn’t extraordinary. I was blamed for something I didn’t do. But I guess that’s life, right? We move forward, we carry it with us. We learn to live with the weight, even when it shouldn’t have been ours to bear.

People hurt you in ways you never expect. They fail you. They disappear. But what I’ve learned is this: no one else is responsible for how you heal. You are. Waiting for someone else to come along and make you feel valued—make you feel like you matter—is often the most painful part.

And sure, I know these are easy words to write. But the truth is, some nights it all crashes down. The silence becomes loud, and every emotion you tried to bottle up starts to spill over. In those moments, knowing something logically isn’t enough. You feel everything. And it’s overwhelming.

We all want someone who sees us, who puts us first. Someone who would do anything just to protect our peace. That’s a beautiful dream. But maybe it’s time we stop chasing it in others and start becoming that person for ourselves.

Because self respect isn’t just about pride or ego. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when no one else does. It’s about recognizing your own worth—even if others can’t see it.

So here’s the truth: you need to be there for you. Care for your heart. Protect your energy. You’re not selfish for doing that. You’re just finally learning how to survive.