Let’s go ahead and say this out loud: A man’s ego is not your responsibility. Not your job to protect it. Not your burden to carry. And definitely not a reason to dim your light.
Too many of us have been conditioned to tiptoe around a man’s feelings like they’re made of glass. To be his ride or die by any means. We will stay stuck in unfulfilling relationships just to avoid making a man feel less than. But at what cost?
🧠 Let’s Talk About This Rejection Thing…
No one likes it. But rejection doesn’t always have to be a dagger to the heart. Some men treat “no” like a personal attack. They hear “I need space,” and translate it to “you’re not enough.” But you are not responsible for how someone receives your truth. It’s YOURS! Especially when your truth is rooted in self-respect and peace of mind.
You are allowed to walk away from a relationship or marriage that no longer aligns with your joy. You’re allowed to choose YOU… Every single time. And if that bruises someone’s ego? That’s between them and their mama and ‘nem.
✨ Stop Apologizing for Wanting More
Too many women are stuck because they’re scared to “hurt his feelings.” But baby, what about your own? What about the sleepless nights, the second-guessing, the quiet sadness you carry just to make him comfortable? You deserve a love that doesn’t require you to disappear in order to exist.
Let this be your reminder:
You don’t have to stay because he “didn’t mean to hurt you.”
You don’t have to justify wanting more than the bare minimum.
You don’t have to feel guilty for outgrowing someone who refuses to grow with you.
🪞 Protect YOUR Peace Like They Protect Their Pride
If we’re being real, men protect their egos like it’s a holy ritual. They’ll ghost you before they admit they’re not ready. They’ll lie before they say “I’m insecure.” So why is it so hard for us to protect our peace with that same vigor?
Protecting your peace might look like:
Saying, “I don’t want this anymore”
Leaving the conversation unread.
Not feeling bad for breaking up with someone who wasn’t good for your mental health.
And understand, that doesn’t make you mean. It makes you healed.
💬 Let’s Normalize This:
“No” is a full sentence.
“I’m choosing me this time” is justified.
“I’m not responsible for your unhealed wounds” is our motto for the rest of the year.
At the end of the day, you are not the rehab center for broken egos. You are not the emotional shock absorber for men who don’t know how to deal with rejection.
So stop shrinking.
Stop settling.
Stop sacrificing your peace just to save face.
He’ll live.
But will you if you keep putting yourself last?
Man, can I relate to this!! The concept of "protecting your peace with that same vigor" that men protect their pride is a revolutionary thought, encouraging us women to have to prioritize our mental health and well-being. I have been there!
Thanks for a good read.
ALL OF THIS!! I needed to read this! Thank you ❣️