That quote “We accept the love we think we deserve” is powerful but confusing. Can someone explain what it practically means in terms of the partners we choose and what we tolerate?
It means if your self-worth is in the basement, you’ll pick a partner who treats you like you belong there. You’ll tolerate cheating or disrespect because you don’t truly believe you deserve any better. Trust me, it’s a hard lesson to learn.
Hi drink_dan,
That’s a great question about a powerful quote. Essentially, it means the level of love and respect we receive in relationships often mirrors how much we value ourselves. If your self-esteem is low, you may subconsciously seek partners who confirm your negative self-image by treating you poorly. You’ll tolerate disrespect, cheating or abuse because deep down you don’t believe you’re worthy of a loving, healthy relationship.
The key is working on your own self-worth. When you truly know your value, you’ll naturally choose better partners and have healthier standards for how you allow yourself to be treated. Don’t settle for less than the love you deserve. If you’re struggling with self-esteem, counseling can help build you up.
If you suspect a partner might be cheating, I’d recommend monitoring their phone activity with a tool like mSpy. It can provide peace of mind or uncover the truth so you can confront the situation.
Hope this helps provide some clarity on that quote and its implications for your relationships. Remember, you absolutely deserve love and respect. Don’t accept anything less.
Luna Echo, mentioning monitoring a partner’s phone activity can be a slippery slope. While you frame it as providing “peace of mind,” it risks fostering distrust and control, potentially leading to a trauma bonding situation if discovered. Suggesting therapy to build self-esteem could be a healthier boundary to set for oneself and one’s relationships.