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What is settling for less you may ask? Or how do you know if you are? It's when the effort and love you put into the relationship doesn't get reciprocated. In some cases, maybe even dismissed. And yes, it is an awful feeling. Or maybe you know you deserve better but you still stay put because you're just scared in general. Let's be honest, don't we all want to feel loved and appreciated? Settling for less in a relationship is probably one of the silliest things you can do to yourself. Yet, so many of us still do it and many times without even realizing.
Sometimes people settle in relationships because they are afraid of being alone. Their fear of being single takes over and so they just stay put. And they also settle because they just don't see that they truly deserve all the happiness in the world. Other times it is because they get too comfortable.
Being single and lonely may seem synonymous for some but don't ever let that be a deciding factor in why you decide to jump into a new relationship. Don't choose a relationship because you afraid of being alone. There's no reason to fear being single. This is the perfect time to learn about you. The more you understand yourself, the more you will realize your self-worth. And when the right person comes along, you will have certain expectations of how you should be treated. Remember, happiness starts from you.
You have to know you are worthy of being treated with love, respect and happiness. A relationship should always bring you happiness otherwise what is the point if all you are, is miserable. You need to be able to have fun with your partner. But that's not to say a relationship is all fun, games and laughter 24/7. Building a healthy relationship takes a lot of balancing and compromising with your partner.
Other times you could very well know you're not being treated well. Yet you tell yourself, "maybe it's me" or "oh that's just how he is" or "things will get better soon". Don't ever blame yourself or start making excuses for him with these rationalizations. And when that time comes, sometimes it's better to let go and move on. Everyone deserves to be loved unconditionally. Yes, we know everyone has flaws but there's a big difference in understanding people are not perfect and settling for less than you deserve. When you are able to pick up the courage to leave a relationship that you don't deserve, that is real strength and bravery.
You may even settle because you get too comfortable and is scared of change. Perhaps you're scared of what's out there, or isn't there. Maybe you're afraid what if there isn't someone better for me, so you settle. Obviously there will be, there always will be. But without change there can never be progress. Venture out to the unknown because you never know what you might find.
You need to go with your gut feeling and be real with yourself. Don't be afraid of taking risks. Don't underestimate what you have to offer to the table. We know nobody is perfect but don't deny yourself the love and respect you deserve. Once you have set a standard for yourself, you can expect only the best from yourself and the ones you love.
