Left Eye on the set of the ‘No Scrubs’ music video (1999)
(via blackmalibubarbie)
Present yourself how you wanna be treated.
You set the tone.
You set the vibe.
You make the rules.
You teach people how to treat you.
Save the “casual-ness” for those worthy of it.
Don’t just “let things slide” because you’re “doing someone a favor”
No. There are NO FAVORS when it comes to your worth.
If they’re late- they don’t get another chance unless they make it up.
If they’re making excuses- excuse yourself out of the equation.
If you have a certain love language that they are not willing to love you in - why compromise?
If you are being “bread crumbed” follow that trail back HOME.
You literally hold your standard in your hands.
Do not allow or let someone change or shift what you already know to be TRUE, PRESENT and VALUABLE in your life.
Even the small things. The little things.
You deserve all of that and you need to make sure that someone who is pursuing you understands that boundaries and standards are not just ways to protect yourself but a FINE LINE and the ONLY way to your heart, your space, your mind, your time and your life.
Stop settling for mediocre. Stop giving away free passes. Stop allowing yourself to be taken for granted.
People know exactly how to treat you bc YOU TEACH THEM.
How?
BY LOVING YOURSELF FIRST and allowing someone to see how you do and then proceed to follow.
So love yourself OUT LOUD, how you want to be loved and then love others the same way.
Don’t let some manipulative or narcissistic person come into your life changing things around.
This is YOUR LIFE. You hold the standards. You are the prize.
Bashō, The Sound of Water: Haiku by Bashō, Buson, Issa, and Other Poets