Never Lower Your Standards

In this article, Mia Reese will be discussing the effects of being with someone you truly do not want to be with as a result of lowering your standards.

Do Not Lower Your Standards

By Mia Reese

Being single in a world filled with around eight billion people can lead one to question why they do not have a partner. Often, this series of questioning starts with questioning ourselves. Perhaps you ask yourself: "Is there something wrong with me?" "Am I the problem?" It is crucial to recognize, while everyone has their problems, you may just have higher standards for yourself than others, which is okay. Never lower your standards. You should never risk compromising your own happiness with the potential toxicity of being with another.

Credit: @pghenze

At times, having high standards may appear to be a weakness, causing some people to get turned off by the actions of others, but the reality is quite the opposite. Having high standards is like having a built-in warning system, that alerts the host anytime someone is off, making it a great asset. This “warning system” is beneficial because it will guide people away from toxic relationships that could damage their mental health or lead them away from who they are. A study conducted by The National Library of Medicine found that “negative partner interactions were significantly associated with increased likelihood of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, while positive partner interactions were significantly and inversely related to anxiety and suicidal ideation.” Furthermore, a relationship is not something to be in "just because"-- a relationship is essentially giving a part of yourself to another person and that should not be taken lightly.

Lowering your standards implies that you are willing to be in a relationship with someone undeserving of your wonderful self. Why compromise your happiness for a possibly toxic relationship? An article by New York State says, “Healthy relationships involve honesty, trust, respect and open communication between partners and they take effort and compromise from both people. There is no imbalance of power.” That right there is the sort of relationship to seek. It may take months or years to find that right somebody but, one day, one of the billions of individuals walking this earth will come into your life and love you properly. This person will value you entirely for your perfections and imperfections. Of course, a relationship is not all sunshine and rainbows, but a partner should inspire you to persevere through the challenging parts of a relationship together.

Some say we only get one shot at this thing called life. Do not spend that time persuading yourself to stay in an unfulfilling relationship. Time is valuable-- we are only allowed so much of it, so spend that time indulging in yourself instead. Take that time to immerse yourself in your surroundings, better your talents, or accomplish those goals that have always been intimidating. During that period of self-improvement, you are not only bettering yourself but simultaneously preparing yourself so that, when that special person comes along, you will not only be ready but in the right headspace.

Credit: Yoga Basics

In life, love is supposedly the ultimate prize, but love comes in many shapes and forms. If you are unable to find romantic love, find love from your family and companions. Do not allow yourself to be in a relationship because you lowered your standards. Standards are there for a reason and will ultimately guide you to the right person to share your life with.

Sources:

Page updated

Report abuse