If a woman displays these 8 behaviors, she hasn’t learned to respect and love herself

If a woman always puts others first, you might think she’s kind-hearted. If she constantly criticizes herself, you might think she’s just a perfectionist.

But really, these could be signs she hasn’t learned to love and respect herself.

Understanding this is not always straightforward. The human psyche is a complicated maze and understanding self-love and respect can sometimes be a challenge.

Yet, some behaviors are clear indicators. And in this case, we’re talking about 8 specific ones.

In my experience as a mom and a woman, I’ve noticed that these behaviors are not just random – they’re signals that a woman is struggling to appreciate her own worth.

And trust me, recognizing them can be a game-changer.

1) She always puts others first

You may think she’s just being selfless, that she’s the epitome of kindness and goodwill.

But when a woman constantly prioritizes everyone else’s needs over her own, it’s not always out of pure altruism.

In reality, this behavior might be a sign that she hasn’t learned to love and respect herself.

See, self-love isn’t about disregarding others. It’s about understanding that you matter too, that your needs aren’t less important than anyone else’s.

When a woman is so focused on taking care of others that she forgets to take care of herself, she’s neglecting her own emotional well-being.

She’s denying herself the love and respect that she deserves.

If you spot this behavior in a woman you know, it might be time for a heart-to-heart talk about self-love and respect.

Don’t let her brush it off as ‘just being kind’ – it’s much more significant than that.

2) She constantly criticizes herself

I remember a time when I could hardly look in the mirror without finding something to criticize. My hair was always too frizzy, my eyes too plain, my laugh too loud.

My own worst critic, I couldn’t seem to break free from the cycle of self-deprecation.

That’s the thing about self-criticism – it’s a cycle, and a vicious one at that.

If a woman is always hard on herself, always finding flaws where there are none, it’s a clear sign she hasn’t learned to respect and love herself.

She’s internalized the idea that she is never enough, that she must constantly strive to be better, prettier, smarter… The list goes on.

But here’s what I’ve learned: self-love starts with acceptance. Acceptance of your flaws, acceptance of your strengths, acceptance of you – just as you are.

Breaking free from the cycle of self-criticism is tough, but it’s the first step towards truly loving and respecting yourself.

3) She’s always seeking approval

The desire to be accepted and validated is a universal human trait.

But when a woman is constantly seeking approval, always needing others to confirm her worth, it’s a sign she hasn’t learned to love and respect herself.

In psychological terms, this is referred to as ‘external locus of control’. It’s the belief that external factors, like the opinions of others, determine our self-worth.

When a woman bases her self-esteem on what others think of her, she’s giving away her power.

She’s letting others decide her value instead of determining it for herself.

Self-love and respect come from within. It’s about recognizing your own worth, regardless of what others might say or think.

It’s about taking back your power and affirming your own value.

4) She never says no

Does she always agree to do things for others, even when it’s inconvenient for her? Does she feel guilty for turning down requests or feel obligated to always say ‘yes’?

A woman who can’t say no is displaying another behavior that indicates she hasn’t learned to love and respect herself.

Saying ‘yes’ all the time might seem like a generous act, but it often comes at the expense of a woman’s own needs and desires.

It’s not about being selfish, it’s about setting boundaries.

Learning to say ‘no’ is an act of self-love and self-respect.

It means prioritizing your own well-being, knowing your limits, and respecting your own time and energy.

It’s okay to say ‘no’. It doesn’t make you a bad person.

It makes you a person who respects and loves herself enough to honor her own needs.

5) She ignores her own needs

I know what it’s like to push your own needs to the side. I’ve been there, always serving others while forgetting to take care of myself.

But here’s what I’ve learned: ignoring your own needs is a clear indication that you haven’t learned to love and respect yourself.

When a woman continually neglects her own needs, whether they’re emotional, physical, or mental, she’s disregarding her own well-being.

I had to learn the hard way that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. It’s a vital part of loving and respecting yourself.

If you, or a woman you know, consistently puts her own needs last, it might be time for a conversation about self-love and respect.

Because everyone deserves to take care of themselves, just as much as they take care of others.

6) She’s always busy

Being always on the go, filling every minute of the day with tasks and chores, might seem like the mark of a driven, successful woman.

But in reality, it could be a sign that she hasn’t learned to love and respect herself.

When a woman is always busy, she’s not leaving any time for self-reflection or self-care. She’s caught in a cycle of doing, with no time for simply being.

This behavior often stems from a fear of being alone with one’s thoughts, or from the belief that one’s worth is determined by productivity.

But true self-love and respect involve recognizing that your value is inherent, not tied to how much you achieve or produce.

And sometimes, the most loving thing you can do for yourself is to take a break, sit down, and just breathe.

7) She doesn’t set boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for self-love and respect.

It’s about knowing your limits and making sure others respect them.

But if a woman doesn’t set boundaries, if she allows others to take advantage of her time, energy, or kindness without any limits, it’s a clear sign she hasn’t learned to love and respect herself.

Not setting boundaries often stems from a fear of rejection or conflict.

But in the end, it’s the woman herself who pays the price.

Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about being unkind or selfish.

It’s about valuing your own peace and well-being. And that’s a vital part of self-love and respect.

8) She doesn’t believe she’s worthy of love and respect

This is perhaps the most heartbreaking sign. If a woman doesn’t believe she’s worthy of love and respect, it’s the clearest indication that she hasn’t learned to love and respect herself.

It’s not just about knowing your worth, it’s about believing in it.

It’s about understanding that you deserve love, respect, and kindness – from others and from yourself.

This belief is the cornerstone of self-love and respect.

Without it, all other efforts might fall short. If you’re struggling with this, know that you are absolutely, without a doubt, worthy of love and respect.

Final thoughts

If you’ve made it to the end of this article, hopefully, you’ve gotten a clearer picture of what self-love and respect look like – and what they don’t.

It’s important to understand that these behaviors aren’t signs of weakness. Rather, they are signals that a woman is still on her journey towards self-love and respect.

And it’s a journey we all take. No one is born with an innate sense of self-worth; it’s something we cultivate over time.

As the renowned psychotherapist Virginia Satir once said, “We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.”

So if you recognize these behaviors in yourself or someone you care about, remember: it’s never too late to start believing in your worth.

It’s never too late to start loving and respecting yourself.

After all, you deserve it.