Affirmation: I Stand Up for Myself if Others Try to Tear Me Down

I know that there is a distinct difference between being nice to others and being a pushover. For this reason, when I feel offended by others' comments and feel as if their comments are mean-spirited, I stand up for myself.

I am the type of woman that likes to avoid conflict. I normally tend to agree with others basically for the sake of dodging an awkward situation. Though a lot of people might not be fond of these personality traits, I find them to work just fine for me.

But, my attempts to avoid conflict are discontinued when others intentionally try to tear me down. I need a right to stand up for myself. I make it a point to put others in line if they say something that hurts my feelings.

I love to live in harmony. But if I choose to let others walk all over me, I pay the price emotionally later. So, I choose to protect myself by standing up for myself. When someone attacks my competence or negatively affects my emotions, I prefer to say something.

I speak my mind when required. And, because I do, the instances where others intentionally try to tear me down are few and far between.

Now, I am my best friend. I am strong when I stand my ground but attempt to be diplomatic with my style. However, I am an adult, and I am entitled to defend myself. The accountability for how I feel and respond is mine.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I tell my friends and family how their comments make me feel?
2. Am I reading too much into statements that have no underlying meaning?
3. Will I have the strength to eliminate toxic friendships from my life?