My Husband Criticizes Me
The other day, a lady I know, shared her story over a cup of coffee. Listening to her, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of empathy and frustration.
She confidently runs a business and her household of hubby and 3 young children. She appears to have all the confidence in the world.
Yet, she described when she dresses up and go out with her girlfriends, her husband makes snide remarks about her appearance.
She shared that it has chipped away at her self-esteem. She now tries to race out the door before her husband can say anything about her appearance.
It saddened me to hear how someone’s partner could wield such power over their confidence and sense of self-worth.
It’s a scenario that’s unfortunately all too common in many relationships. The subtle digs, the passive-aggressive comments, the dismissive attitudes – they all contribute to an environment that erodes self-esteem.
As women, we often internalize these attitudes from our partners, questioning our worth and doubting our abilities.
But it’s crucial to recognize that we deserve better.
Self-esteem Shapes How You See Yourself
Self-esteem is the foundation upon which we build our lives. It shapes how we perceive ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. When it’s strong, we’re able to navigate challenges with resilience and grace. But when it’s compromised, every setback feels like a crushing blow.
In the case of the lady I was acquainted with, her scenario reminded me of how far I had come.
I remember my father making remarks about my appearance when I dressed up. Such as the instance, when I dressed up to go to church, he said, “You look like you’re ready to go to a football match, not church.”
Careless comments like these, were like tiny daggers aimed at my confidence. Each comment reinforced the notion that I wasn’t good enough. Wanting to please my dad, I took on the belief that my efforts to express myself in the way I wanted to, was wrong.
That was a long time ago, and now today, I look back at how far I have come. I no longer have any emotional charge about what others say about my appearance. I realize, that others’ remarks are simply a reflection of how they feel about themselves… not me.
But here’s the thing – self-esteem isn’t something that anyone else can give us. It’s something we must cultivate from within. And while external validation can certainly provide a temporary boost, true self-esteem comes from knowing our own worth independent of others’ opinions.
How To Increase Your Self-Esteem
So how do we reclaim our self-esteem in the face of such adversity?
It starts with how you treat yourself. We never allow someone else to treat us worse that we treat ourselves.
To stand up to a partner who belittles you, takes feeling secure in ourselves first.
Taking the time to prioritize our physical, emotional, and mental health sends a powerful message that we value ourselves.
Developing greater self-esteem requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront our inner demons. But it’s a journey that’s well worth embarking on.
When we believe in ourselves and recognize our inherent worth, we become unstoppable forces who are more than capable of weathering other people’s uninvited opinions.
If you’re in a similar situation as this lady, yet ready to reclaim your self-worth, do yourself a favour and book a 20-minute call with Foxxy. Together, we can explore strategies to empower to speak up, without fearing repercussions. She will guide you on the next steps towards getting your confidence back.
It’s your life… make it sassy!