Self-respect abuse is the neglect, dismissal, or erosion of one’s inherent worth and dignity.
It can involve silencing your voice, denying your needs, overextending yourself to please others, or accepting mistreatment as normal. It may show up as self-betrayal, internalized shame, or the quiet habit of shrinking in order to survive.

This form of abuse doesn’t always look like “abuse” in the obvious sense.
It often hides behind performance, productivity, and perfectionism—echoing the external pressures and traumas that taught us we had to earn our value. Over time, it can lead to lasting emotional, spiritual, and even physical harm.

And too often, the abuse of our own self-respect sets an unspoken expectation for others to do the same.
We may unintentionally normalize imbalance, over-functioning, or silence in our relationships, communities, or workplaces—passing along the very patterns that wounded us.

During the month of June, we invite you to reflect on the subtle ways your self-respect may have been compromised—by others or by yourself.

Gift yourself a step toward healing:
Say no without guilt. Speak honestly without apology. Rest without explanation. Reclaim the space you were never meant to surrender—and make room for others to do the same.