The “Crazy” Behavior That’s Actually Self-Respect
I’m done. I’m so done with being labeled “crazy” for simply demanding the respect I deserve.
You know what’s really crazy? Accepting crumbs and convincing yourself it’s a feast.
For years, I swallowed my pride and settled for less than I was worth. I smiled politely at half-hearted gestures and lukewarm affection. I convinced myself that this was normal, that this was love.
But let me tell you something – that’s not love. That’s not even close to love.
Love isn’t a constant struggle to be seen, heard, and valued. Love isn’t wondering if you’re asking for too much when all you want is basic decency and consideration.
So I decided to stop accepting the bare minimum. I decided to raise my standards and hold people accountable for their actions – or lack thereof.
And suddenly, I’m the “crazy” one?
Give me a break.
They call me crazy when I refuse to reply to their 2 AM “you up?” texts after days of silence.
They call me crazy when I don’t jump at the chance to be their last-minute backup plan.
They call me crazy when I expect them to follow through on their promises and commitments.
Well, if that’s crazy, then lock me up and throw away the key. Because I’m not going back to being a doormat.
I’m not going back to questioning my worth based on someone else’s inability to appreciate me.
I’m not going back to making excuses for people who can’t be bothered to make an effort.
Here’s the truth: It’s not crazy to expect respect. It’s not crazy to have standards. It’s not crazy to know your worth and demand that others recognize it too.
What’s crazy is how we’ve normalized toxic behavior and labeled self-respect as “high maintenance.”
We’ve been conditioned to believe that wanting more is somehow wrong or selfish. That we should be grateful for whatever scraps of attention we’re thrown.
Well, I’m calling bull on that.
I’m reclaiming my time, my energy, and my self-worth. And if that makes me crazy in their eyes, so be it.
Because here’s what I’ve learned: The people who are quick to label you as “crazy” are often the ones who benefited most from your acceptance of their mediocrity.
They’re the ones who got comfortable with giving you the bare minimum. The ones who assumed you’d always be there, no matter how poorly they treated you.
And when you finally stand up for yourself? When you finally say “enough is enough”? That’s when the “crazy” accusations start flying.
It’s a defense mechanism, plain and simple. It’s easier for them to dismiss you as irrational than to admit their own shortcomings.
But I see through it now. I see it for what it really is – a desperate attempt to maintain the status quo that no longer serves me.
I refuse to shrink myself to make others comfortable. I refuse to silence my needs to avoid being labeled as “too much.”
Because you know what? I am “too much” for some people. I’m too passionate, too honest, too unwilling to settle.
And I’m proud of that.
I’m proud of the woman I’ve become – the one who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to walk away from situations that don’t honor it.
This journey hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of doubt, moments when I’ve wondered if maybe I am asking for too much.
But then I remember all the nights I spent crying, feeling invisible and unappreciated. I remember the anxiety of always being the one to reach out, to make plans, to keep the connection alive.
I remember the exhaustion of constantly lowering my expectations just to avoid disappointment.
And I know, deep in my bones, that I’m on the right path.
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s not about demanding perfection from others, either.
It’s about mutual respect. It’s about effort. It’s about being with people who are excited to be in your life, not those who treat you like an afterthought.
It’s about surrounding yourself with individuals who match your energy, who appreciate your worth, who are willing to put in the work to maintain a healthy relationship – romantic or platonic.
Because that’s the thing – this applies to all relationships in our lives. Friends, family, colleagues, partners. We deserve respect and consideration in every sphere.
We deserve people who show up. Who keep their word. Who make us feel valued and appreciated.
And if setting that standard makes me “crazy,” then I wear that label with pride.
I’m crazy about self-respect. I’m crazy about healthy boundaries. I’m crazy about reciprocal relationships.
I’m crazy about living a life where I don’t have to constantly question my worth or beg for basic decency.
So to anyone out there who’s been called “crazy” for expecting more – I see you. I hear you. And I’m standing with you.
You’re not crazy for wanting to be treated with respect. You’re not crazy for walking away from situations that drain you.
You’re not crazy for expecting people to match your effort and energy.
You’re brave. You’re strong. You’re wise.
And you deserve so much more than half-hearted efforts and lukewarm affection.
Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Don’t let them gaslight you into believing that your standards are too high.
Your standards aren’t too high – they’re just inconvenient for people who got used to treating you as an option.
Remember, the right people won’t make you feel crazy for expecting basic decency and respect. The right people will rise to meet your standards, not try to lower them.
The right people will appreciate your passion, your honesty, your unwillingness to settle for less than you deserve.
So hold your head high. Stand firm in your worth. Don’t apologize for expecting more.
Because you, my dear, are not crazy. You’re awake. You’re aware. You’re evolving.
And that’s something to be celebrated, not criticized.
So the next time someone tries to label you as “crazy” for demanding respect, smile. Smile because you know the truth.
You know that you’re not crazy – you’re simply done with the games, the half-hearted efforts, the lukewarm affections.
You’re done with settling. You’re done with shrinking. You’re done with silencing your needs.
You’re ready for real connections, genuine efforts, and wholehearted love.
And there’s nothing crazy about that.
In fact, it’s the sanest thing you could do for yourself.
So here’s to being “crazy.” Here’s to knowing our worth. Here’s to demanding respect.
Here’s to walking away from anything that doesn’t serve our highest good.
Here’s to loving ourselves fiercely and unapologetically.
Because at the end of the day, that’s not crazy. That’s self-respect. And it’s the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
So stand tall, hold your ground, and let them call you crazy. Their words don’t define you. Your actions do.
And your actions? They speak of a woman who knows her worth. A woman who refuses to settle. A woman who’s ready for more.
That’s not crazy. That’s powerful. That’s brave. That’s you.
And you, my dear, are magnificent.
