We all want to be surrounded by people who lift us, not tear us down. But is that always the case?
I get it. Sometimes, we find ourselves stuck with people who make us feel bad about ourselves, for no good reason.
These people can be anyone—a friend, a partner, or even a family member. They have a knack for focusing on those areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable.
And sometimes, it can feel like we’re trapped in this toxic environment, where we’re constantly being belittled.
But hey, you’re not alone in this.
It’s common for many of us to feel unappreciated and disrespected by someone in our lives at some point or another.
Here’s the thing—it might not be. You might be tolerating negativity more than you should. Recognizing the signs isn’t always easy.
In this article, I’m going to share with you seven things that if someone makes you feel bad about, they probably aren’t worth keeping in your life.
1) Your Accomplishments
Let me take you back to a moment in my life. I just got a promotion at work – something I worked tirelessly for. But instead of receiving congratulations from a close friend, I was met with sarcastic comments and degrading remarks.
They made me feel like my accomplishments didn’t matter, or even that I didn’t deserve them.
Does this sound familiar? If someone makes you feel bad about your accomplishments instead of being happy for you, it’s a clear sign that they’re not worth keeping. Accomplishments, big or small, are milestones to be celebrated, not diminished.
2) Your Physical Appearance
Now this is personal. I’ve struggled with my body image for a long time. I used to have someone in my life who constantly criticized my appearance – from my weight to my clothing choices.
It took me a while to realize this, but no one has the right to make you feel bad about your physical appearance.
If someone is constantly criticizing or making fun of your physical appearance, this is a red flag. Remember, your worth is not determined by your physical appearance but by who you are as a person. So don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
3) Your Past Mistakes
We all make mistakes – it’s part of being human. Making mistakes is an integral part of learning and growing. Research has shown that when we make mistakes and learn from them, it stimulates the growth of new neurons in our brains.
If you have someone in your life who constantly brings up your past mistakes, using them as a weapon to belittle or insult you, that’s not good. It’s important to remember that our past doesn’t define us.
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Our mistakes are the building blocks on our path to becoming a better version of ourselves. Don’t let anyone use them against you.
4) Your Dreams and Aspirations
We all have dreams – visions of what we want our future to look like. These dreams are the core of who we are, the compass that guides our lives. They may seem unrealistic to some people, but they’re your dreams, and that’s all that matters.
If someone constantly belittles or belittles your dreams, making you feel like they’re unattainable or ridiculous, it can be very frustrating.
Remember that your dreams are valid, no matter how big or small they are. You have every right to pursue them with all your heart. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
5) Lifestyle Choices
Living a vegan lifestyle has been a personal choice of mine for a while now. It’s a decision that aligns with my beliefs and values. However, I had a friend who would constantly make fun of me for it, making snarky comments at every meal we shared.
If you’ve ever had a similar experience, whether it’s about your food preferences, your fashion style, or even your decision not to have children, know that your lifestyle choices are your own.
If someone is belittling you for living a way that feels right to you, it’s more about them than it is about you. You deserve respect and understanding when it comes to your personal choices. You don’t need anyone in your life who doesn’t provide that.
6) Your Financial Situation
Money is a sensitive topic for many. But let me be clear: your worth is not determined by your bank balance. I’ve had my fair share of financial ups and downs, and I’ve had people judge me based on that.
Whether you’re rolling in money or struggling to make ends meet, if someone makes you feel inadequate because of your financial situation, it’s time to reconsider their place in your life.
7) Your Loved Ones
Our relationships with our loved ones are deeply personal. I remember dating someone who had a problem with one of my closest friends. He couldn’t accept my friendship with him and would constantly badmouth him.
If someone you know tries to stir up trouble between you and your loved ones, tries to isolate you, or makes you feel bad about the people you care about, that’s a big red flag. Don’t let anyone stand between you and the people who truly care about you.
Prioritize Your Mental Health Above All Else
Did you know that one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness each year? Despite this prevalence, mental health is often ignored and stigmatized.
I’ve dealt with anxiety for a long time, and people have dismissed it as an overreaction or a quest for attention. If someone belittles or trivializes your mental health struggles, that’s a clear sign that they’re not worth your time or energy.
Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your mental health over a toxic relationship. Surround yourself with people who understand and support you on your mental health journey.
