Respect and value are fundamental in any relationship, be it personal or professional. When someone truly appreciates your worth, there are certain boundaries they just won’t cross.
But what are these boundaries? How can we tell if someone truly values us or if they’re just paying lip service?
In this article, I’m going to share with you seven things that a person who genuinely values you will never do.
This isn’t just about personal relationships – these principles apply in the workplace too, helping you build a healthier, more respectful business environment.
Keep reading if you want to gain a deeper understanding of what true value and respect look like in action.
1) They’ll never belittle your ideas
In any relationship, respect forms the bedrock. It’s crucial in both personal and professional spheres. And nothing screams disrespect louder than someone belittling your ideas.
A person who truly values you understands that your ideas matter. Whether it’s a suggestion for a weekend getaway or a new strategy to boost business efficiency, they’ll listen and consider your input seriously.
Sure, they might not always agree with you – and that’s perfectly okay. What’s not okay is dismissing your ideas outright without giving them due thought.
That’s a clear sign of disregard, and it’s something a person who genuinely values you will never do. They understand that everyone has unique perspectives and insights, and these are to be cherished, not belittled.
Remember, if someone respects your ideas, it’s a solid indication they value you as an individual.
2) They won’t dismiss your feelings
Here’s a personal story that encapsulates this idea perfectly.
A few years ago, I was leading a project team in my business. We were working on a tight deadline, and the pressure was on. I was stressed, and it was evident to everyone around me.
One day, I shared my concerns with a close colleague. Instead of acknowledging the pressure I was under, he brushed it off. “We all have stress. Just deal with it,” he said.
This dismissal of my feelings left me feeling unsupported and undervalued, and our working relationship never quite recovered.
On the contrary, when someone truly values you, they will never minimize your feelings.
Whether it’s stress, joy, or disappointment, they’ll recognize and validate your emotions because they understand that your feelings are an integral part of who you are.
This emotional validation not only strengthens personal relationships but also fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment.
3) They won’t break your trust
Trust is a delicate thing, it takes time to build, but can be shattered in an instant. A person who values you knows this well and will always strive to maintain your trust.
In fact, a study found that trust is one of the strongest predictors of a lasting and fulfilling relationship. This holds true not only in our personal lives but also in professional relationships.
If someone truly values you, they wouldn’t dream of betraying your trust.
Whether it’s keeping a secret you shared with them or honoring a commitment they made to you, they understand that breaking your trust would cause irreparable damage to the relationship.
This understanding and respect for your trust clearly indicates a high level of value for you and your relationship.
4) They will never disrespect your boundaries
We all have boundaries. These are the personal limits we set for ourselves that define what we are comfortable with and what we are not. They’re crucial for maintaining our self-respect, and they’re non-negotiable.
Someone who truly values you understands this.
They respect your boundaries and never try to push you beyond your comfort zone. They know that doing so would be a violation of your personal space and an infringement on your rights as an individual.
Whether it’s respecting your need for personal space or understanding when you say “no” to a project because you’re overloaded with work, they get it.
They value you enough to respect your boundaries without questioning or crossing them. That’s the mark of someone who truly appreciates your worth.
5) They will never make you feel unimportant
I’ll never forget a dinner date I had once. I was really excited about it, but my partner at the time spent the entire evening on his phone.
He was physically present, but emotionally, he was miles away. No matter what I said, I couldn’t seem to engage him in the conversation.
That dinner taught me something important – when someone truly values you, they give you their undivided attention. They don’t make you compete for their time or make you feel like an afterthought.
They understand that the gift of their full attention is one of the most valuable things they can give you.
Because when they’re fully present with you, they’re showing you that they value your company more than anything else at that moment.
6) They won’t demean you in front of others
In a world where we’re constantly interacting with others, both online and offline, the way someone treats you in front of others says a lot about how much they value you.
A person who truly values you will never belittle or demean you in front of others. They won’t use you as the butt of their jokes, nor will they speak ill of you to others.
Instead, they’ll be your biggest cheerleader, championing your successes and supporting you in times of failure. They’ll respect your image and reputation because they understand that it’s an extension of you.
This kind of respect and support is a clear sign that someone values you deeply. It shows that they respect you as an individual and care about your feelings and well-being.
7) They won’t compromise your self-worth
If there’s one thing you should remember, it’s this: someone who truly values you will never make you feel less than you are. They won’t undermine your self-esteem or make you question your worth.
Instead, they’ll lift you up. They’ll recognize and celebrate your strengths, and they’ll support you in your weaknesses. They’ll make you see the incredible person that you are, even when you can’t see it yourself.
That’s because they understand that your self-worth is intrinsic and unchangeable, and they value you for who you truly are. And that, my dear reader, is the ultimate sign of someone who truly values you.
Final thought: It’s about respect and authenticity
The foundation of valuing someone truly lies in respect and authenticity. These two elements are intertwined in the tapestry of every meaningful relationship, be it personal or professional.
Respect underscores the way we treat others – acknowledging their feelings, ideas, boundaries, and self-worth. Authenticity, on the other hand, is about being genuine in our interactions, never pretending or manipulating.
A quote by Steve Maraboli, an influential speaker and bestselling author, encapsulates this beautifully:
“I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.”
As you process these seven pointers, reflect on your relationships. Do they hold up to this standard of value?
Remember, someone who truly values you will not only respect and cherish you but will also inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
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