1. Don’t let other people’s thoughts about you shape who you are.
2. Don’t speak badly about yourself.
3. Don’t let anybody force you to be or do anything you don’t want to do or be, simply to gain their approval or friendship.
4. Don’t violate your own moral codes.

5. When we let our rage and hurt out in a damaging way, it only causes us to embarrass ourselves, destroy relationships, and leads to low self-respect.

   Control your emotions. Someone anonymously commented to me about how he/she lets things build up inside until they just start tearing them apart. “Then I’ll talk to one of my friends about it and get my anger out calmly by talking it out of my system. Then I feel better about everything and have a more positive outlook on others and myself. A part of respecting yourself is learning how to handle your emotions without causing more problems for your self.” When we let our rage and hurt out in a damaging way, it only causes us to embarrass ourselves, destroy relationships, and leads to low self-respect.
   
   
6. Increase your knowledge. Develop interests and passions. Find a hobby. Learn as much as you can. Learning about things going on in the world around you will expand your brainpower and understanding, and will let you speak intelligently to a wide variety of people you meet. As you explore all the different opportunities this world has to offer, you will learn more about what you personally have to offer back to the people around you. There are so many people who live in such a small world, they feel others would never value their opinions and what they know. They see themselves as stupid or dumb. The way you see yourself is the way you’ll act. It happens every time.
   
   

7. As you explore all the different opportunities this world has to offer, you will learn more about what you personally have to offer back to the people around you.

   Be responsible. Do the things you need to do. Janice commented with a list of practical ways to show self-respect: “Take care of yourself. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, dress nicely (not to bring attention, either over-fashionably or sloppily), don't overeat (or undereat!), eat what is good for you, and drink water. More importantly, to take care of yourself, read your Bible and pray.” Just doing what you know is the right thing to do will cause your self-respect to skyrocket--whether it’s doing your homework, chores around the house, or showing up to work on time.
   
   
8. Seek a relationship with God. To know that God loves and respects you is the very foundation of self-respect. After all, God knows all about us and still loves us. Shelby has learned that to respect herself she has to try and see herself as God sees her. “He created all of us special. Have you ever made something, like drawn a picture, and it was just amazing? And you were so proud of it, even though you didn't think you had it in you to make that? Now take that and imagine how God must feel about creating us—something that heals itself when it’s wounded, and thinks and moves for itself! Since I've looked at myself that way I’ve seen a whole different me in the mirror everyday. Even without my makeup!”

1. Respect others. (see my other blogs on respect here)
2. Be quick to forgive others. (see my blogs on forgiveness here)
3. Be friendly to everyone you meet. Friendly people are never miserable people.
4. Hang around encouraging people that are doing positive things.
5. Don’t lie. When you continually tell the truth, you give yourself the priceless gift of a clear conscience.
6. Make good decisions.

Friday, Oct 10, 2008 - 10:37:49 PM
i luvv you dawson
- Gert

Friday, Oct 10, 2008 - 1:53:35 AM
hey.i just read the first part of your blog and it really made an impact about how i feel in my situation, but i really don't know how to just let things go.i have been going through a lot, and im going through a stage were me and my mom don't get along.but looking back on all the fights and stuff that has happened makes me cry and i cant over come the fear of getting hurt in the future.im too scared to stand up to her and fight for myself, and it makes me feel selfish when i start to want to be a new person.the way my mom is treating me, is making me hate myself more and more and i don't know how to stop the hatred from coming:[
- Alyssa

Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 6:10:14 PM
One question: why do your comments on helping people so often don't tell others to focus on God and the Bible? I know it sounds very critical, but sometimes when refering someone to some specialist to treat them for anger/anything. I can tell you straight out, I know what it means when the closest to you turn against you and violate you in ways you could've never imagined. The only thing that has turned me into the person that I am today, I can say was answer to my prayers. God will answer prayer and help you forgive others and you definitely don't need classes if you have God.
- Christi

Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 2:24:26 AM
I think the best way to have a good relationship with your parents is to respect their opinions even if you don' t agree with them. They have been through more of life and know more about the world than you do. They may not always understand your reasons, but they have a point to make, and you should listen to their veiws. Your parents can teach you a lot of things and keep you from a lot of pain, both physical and emotional, if you will keep an open mind and really think about what they are saying.
- Samantha

Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 2:23:28 AM
hey i'm 20.. when i was younger i only knew what was taught to me... which was alot.. but it wasnt everything the older i got and learned.. the more open i became..and i will admit.. i am still afraid to meet new people.. and afraid of new relationships.. but i slowly ease my way into it.. and thats all that matters do things at your own pace.. as long as you are comfortable..
- Nancy

Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 - 1:45:00 AM
Dawson, I sooooo appreciate your blogs, especially the past two on self-respect. I've suffered with anorexia for 5 years now, and just in the past year have I realized that I will never recover until I learn to respect myself. Your advice always helps. As far as the parent/child realationship goes, I have never had a good realationship with my parents-ever. Until recently I thought I never would. Though not possible or practical for everyone, moving out of their house was probably the best thing that I've ever done for our realationship. I don't know how or why it is improving, but it is. So while I have no advice for how to help those struggling with parents now, I will say there is hope in even the most hopeless situations.
- lindsay

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 11:46:24 PM
I love this blog. I myself have had a hard time getting along with my parents. My parents are divorced and every other weekend I go over to my dads house. My mom has gotten remairred but my dads still dating. I've just started to become a teenager and thats the time that your fighting with your parents the most. I use to watch my parents bicker with my older sister and wonder why they were fighting over stupid stuff. Then when it was my turn I realized just why they were fighting. I stay with my mom throughout the weeks and every other weekend so I spend most of my time with her. She's a little nicer than my dad and she understands me better than my dad does. My dad thinks that I'm just like my sister and that I need to be treated like my sister. That usually what I get into fights about the most with my dad. But my dad has a hard time remembering things. Several times after a fight and he's for example grounded me he'll go up to me a few minutes later asking why I wasn't doing anything with my friends. It's been like this for a while but after I'm 18 I wont have to put up with it as much because I won't have to see him as much. I'll get to decided when I see him. After reading Dawson's blog it made me think about my situation. Ever since I've read it I"ve tried to get along with my parents as much as possible but I"ve still gotten into fights. But I'll be watching for the next blog and hope that it'll help me as much as this one did.
- Michaela

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 10:49:59 PM
i love ur show ur so insperational to me
- ashlee

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 7:46:52 PM
i didn't like myself at all and just looking at a mirror would make me cry so i'd go into the bathroom and stare at myself untilli couldn't take it and i did that every day untill the day that i looked at myself and said "wow you are really beautiful"now i like my self from the inside out.
- Kim

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 8:23:41 AM
Hey, I've just started listening to you on the radio, and keep thinking how great your advice is. So here is some of mine on my parents and my relationship. My parents and I have had plenty of arguements, but some how I can never stay mad at them. I used to be able to talk to them about everything and anything. I still can, but I choose what to tell them. I only tell them positive and uplifting things, but if they ever can see through me and see that I'm depressed or something is going on then they confront me about it. They don't force me to tell them, they just let me know that they are there when I need them and try to make my days easier. Telling them almost everything, and more then I wanted, has really helped out. Especially since I used to bottle everything up. Its not healthy. They now know that I have had a really rough few years lately and know that I can do anything and know my values, so they trust me, and that is the greatest feeling. Thanks Dawson!
- Stephanie P.

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 8:22:49 AM
i agree with vanesa. you don't know when your parent's, or your time to pass is going to come. with this in mind, you dont want the last thing you said or did to your parents to be something youll regret and want to take back. I admit that I dont always get along with my parents, but i make every day i see them count so i can go to bed and say to myself that I helped them in some way...its the least we can do in return after they gave us life
-

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - 8:22:06 AM
my the lord give more and more understanding in jesus amen.please i need some copy for my own and for my friend.thank God bless your minstry
- segun

Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008 - 9:46:31 PM
i like your show and blog
-

Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008 - 12:47:28 AM
Getting along with you parents can be one of the hardest things especially when you are still young. When they tell you to do something, do not whine about it! Give them a little help, maybe they need it, maybe they don't, but either way, it is easier to do what they ask instead of arguing. If they ask you to do something like, clean the kitchen when you have a huge exam the next day. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and then calmly explain that you need to study. Maybe suggest that they help you to get the task done faster. They really do want what is best for you, even if it is hard to see it at times.
- Amy

Monday, Oct 6, 2008 - 8:59:56 PM
You are AMAZING! Thank you! This blog has helped so much! I never thought that I lacked on self-respect. Thanks to you Im becoming a better person, and Im respecting myself. Thank You!
- Ana

Monday, Oct 6, 2008 - 1:32:50 AM
I also just wanted to say that, Dawson Mcallister, you are BEYOND AWESOME for doing this. Being a teenager is the toughest time in life because of its confusingness. I'm so glad that you're there to help us and give us the answers we need. You have helped me so much and listening to your show helps me to understand that there are other people out there that are going through the same things that I am. You are my hero! :) Thank you Dawson!!
- Lalita

Monday, Oct 6, 2008 - 1:09:00 AM
It's just my mom and me at home. We don't get along very well. She's clingy, and I want my freedom. We're total opposites. It's hard to talk to her and have her actually listen to what I have to say. I find that the only thing that helps is to leave for a couple days. When I come back, my mom is much friendlier to me. But that only lasts a couple of days.
- Lalita

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 11:35:55 PM
Since I grew up in an abusive family, everything that happens feels like I'm the main cause of it. I've lost so many friendships because of my anger I felt...but i never stopped to think why or of what I was mad about till now when I read part 1 and part 2 of respecting yourself. I've hated myself so much..and I didnt understand why. But thanks Dawson, thanks to you i know the reason why i feel like this.
- Christina

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 10:56:08 PM
You will never believe the irony in this. I literally had just sent a text to a friend of mine explaining how much pain they've caused me, and this wasn't just a random act as if I needed someone to blame .. we had been arguing previously to this. So, I had just got done sending her this incredibly long message about how I try so hard to please everyone, and I never come out happy, even more upset then before. As I'm waiting for her response, I refresh my myspace, and see your bulletin. Of course, I clicked the link directing me to this page the very first thing I see is "When you don’t like or love yourself, much less respect yourself, you will always find a way to live your life blaming other people for all the pain you’re feeling." I cannot tell you what that did to me. It literally just stopped me, in mid-thought, and I couldn't believe what I had just read. It really, and truly hit me. I mean, it's no realization that I like nothing about myself. I'd even go so far to say that I hate most of everything I am. It's just one of those unexpected moments that you needed most. I'm going to re-evaluate the way I look at things and rid of a lot of negativity in my life. I'm incredibly young and I have every oppurtunity but I can honestly say I'm afraid of it just because if I fail, it's just one more thing to bring me down. I'm not embracing what could potentially create everything I'm waiting for. Thank You, so much. - Kassandra.
- Kassandra

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 10:36:27 PM
My parents split about 3 or 4 yrs ago/ My mom and I don't comunicate enough to fight all the time. When we do start to regularly talk we both fight. I basicly just let her be to herself in her room asleep or on the internet/phone all the time. I wish i had better relationship with my mother i love her to death but we have so many differences and we just don't bond.
- Dalton

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 10:01:03 PM
i have a hard time respecting myself, much less loving myself. Im always comparing myself to other people and how well the look, and how their life is compared to me. it doesnt help much that im bipolar and have self esteem issues either.
- chelsea rae

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 9:39:36 PM
This is my first time commenting on one of Dawson's blogs, and I must say, they are very powerful. In the last article on how to repect yourself, the basic prinicpals are explained, but there is a little that is missing. The reason it's so hard to respect yourself and not let others depict your image, is becuase of the first time you let them control what you see in the mirror. You're almost teaching and saying to them, "You're my boss, feel free to say to me what you want." So, once you try to gain some respect from others and yourself, they don't like that, and they try to regrasp you under their thumb. Also, in this article, seeking a relashonship with God, such a simple act that so many people won't do, helps a great deal. I've noticed that throughout my life, I've always been one of the people, followers as you may say, that do ask for people to admire you so you can admire yourself. No more of that...that hanging around the people who put me down constantly, and making light of it. I just wonder how to get them to stop. Those are disrespectful and insecure people, who need their status to get through life. Has anyone ever noticed that when you stick it to people who are "Cool" or "Beast" or "Pimp" or any other term people may use for high status, that they have to turn it around. Instead of ginving a straight argument back, they have to say something, "Yes, you do need to do this to have that." and what people need to realized is that they're talking about themselves, not you. Not letting rage control you helps on this much more than you think. When somebody calls you a name, and you set off and your all of a sudden ready to fight, it probably means that they got the best of you, and called you something you didn't want to admit. Doing this, let's them know your weaknesses. Think of all this to gain respect, although it is always hard with stragers, like people who are just your "friend" so to say. I have a quote, but I can't remember who gave it, and it goes something like this: "Let rage take control of you, and you will give the best speach that you will always regret." That is perfect for just about anything. When you look in that mirror, and you like what you see, or you know God likes what your looking at, then your fine, don't let your Dr. Frankenstein "friends" shape you like clay.
- Mark

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 8:49:13 PM
Dawson, I think that it's really important sometimes that in certain situations that we set boundaries with our parents and I think that the parents should do the same with their children and both be resonable and respectful. I grew up in a farily desent home however my mom was very controlling in her own way she did it in the way that you really don't know what she's doing, and she like to play the guilt trick ALL the time. I have been going out with my boyfriend for 7 months now and everyday she knows I go to see him and everyday she acts like it's a suprise that I'm leaving. Anyway, I set some boundaries with her that it's good for me to spend time with him and every Sun. My mom and I have a time set a side that just her and I go Ice Skating, I'm giving her time to be with me and setting the boundaries that during the week I'm spending it with my boyfreind and it seems to be going alot better.
- Jenn

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 11:46:19 AM
Well,ever since i was 21 months old ive been living with my aunt. We get along sometimes,and then sometimes we dont.She yells at me over the stupidest things and tells me that almost everything is my fault.So now all i ever think is that it's my fault. it suckks,but i mean i have too learn too deal with since my mother isnt really around. She is and i see her atleast once a week,but i dont live with her. so Yeah :) i think that you should respect your parents allll the time,cause you never know when they might be gone.
- Vanessa

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 8:07:03 AM
wow, this is one blog that i definatley needed to read. I need to learn respect from myself, before i can fully want respect from anyone else. thanks.
- Taryn

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 - 12:09:47 AM
me and my parents i feel have a great relationship. My dads overseas so we realli have to have an open communication line. my mom is here and i think its the feeling of knowing that if i ever need to talk to her shes here. Like some people run to their friends, im not the kinda person to share my feelings and thoughts with everybody. But what works for me is communication. Talking about anything and everything that may be bothering me whether it be if i have a problem with school or if i have a question about anything. Communication is Key.
- riah

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 11:58:22 PM
My parents and I have a bit of a tough relationship. They're really hard on me about my grades and stuff. So I guess I don't have much to say there... Um, anyway. For next time, or in the near future or whatever...I think you should do a blog on cutting. Or self-mutilation. Whatever you want to call it. Because recently, I've started cutting myself when I'm really angry or depressed, and I'm afraid that it's going to become a regular thing, which is something I don't want...
- Anonymous

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 11:26:31 PM
i get along with my mom more than my dad. but i dont talk to my dad that much and everytime i do we always end up fightin, so i just ignore him most of the time then he gets mad cuz i dont talk to him but i love my mom and talk to her alot but i get mad at her wen i get grounded for things and all but i always get over it. my dad has did alot of bad things and to my mom as in abuse!! but i cant tell no one becuz my mom just doesnt want to get a divorce cuz they almost did but they never did they been married 20 some years. - Lexie

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 11:03:37 PM
Dawson I just want to tell you how amazing I think you are. You have helped tons of people just over the phone. I'v heard people I know tell me that they were going to call in but they didn't need to because your advice to others helped them right then and there. I to once almost called in but didn't need to. If you just listen, or read what your put on your site, you'll definatly find answers, or even point something out to you that you didn't even notice. Like my boyfriend for 4half yrs read your article-how to respect girls, he changed completely, and he didnt relize it. To sum it all up your amazing.
- VonShay

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 7:58:30 PM
Question 1- My parents separated when I was 9 years old and they got divorced when I was 14 years old, it wasn't easy but I am dealing with it, slowly but surely. I get along with my mom pretty well and with my dad sometimes. It is that they can get so overly protective that it can get frustrating at times because when I what to do somethings or go somewhere that I go every time, it is always the same set of questions, like with whom are you going with, or what are you going to be doing or other things along those lines. Sometimes, I can go with a friend to go out for dinner or to their house and they know and met the person already and they still ask. I know they do it for my own safety but sometimes they have to learn how to let go so that I can make my own life too! I am 22 years old and I am living with my mom and it is hard to do what I want to accomplish in life because she is always asking questions about my friends or about my goals in life. I want to go out of the country to fulfill my goals but my mom doesn't want to let me go and sometimes that frustrates me because I really want to go but I dont have the support I need and want from her, and my dad doesnt know about it because he would be worst than my mom. He would say that I am crazy and that I should be thinking about the family and taking care of them then my dreams and goals. I love my parents but I wish they would be more understanding and to stop being so overly protective of me. Question 2-I would like to see a blog about how to find yourself as a person, as in who one really is. And also a blog about how to get counseling.
- Cute Boricua Model

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 6:12:50 PM
and another girl mentioned a blgo about feeling lonely and lost...especially in high school.that is very much needed today.thank u dawson i love u and your show u help so much
- emily

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 11:46:44 AM
yeah i agree with jake r.i think you shud blog about physical abuse and alcoholism and how to deal in those situations especially when ur friends are of no help.hope to read soon.i love your blogs they are a tremendous help!love emm
- emily

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 10:25:54 AM
i think you should blog about something in reference to marriage.. my husband went behind my back and told his best firend and his other babys momma that he wanted to be with them and not me right before he deployed. he has lied to me our entire relationshpi/marriage. we were married 6 months after meeting each other.. i dont know maybe something along the lines of moving past something like that, getting back to how you felt before he did this. i just dont know how i can move past this and feel for him as i did before... maybe something along those lines... :)
- Angela

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 10:24:27 AM
Dawson! I know a lot of kids who are going through a rough time and are going to get emancipated from their parents I'm going through the same and plan to move in with my boyfriend in May. Maybe you could write a blog on how to work things out so emancipation isn't necessary or what those getting emancipated can do to help themselves financially and emotionally because separating from your family is really tough. And even though teens get emancipated it doesn't mean we want to, it just means sometimes we have no other choice.
- Becca

Saturday, Oct 4, 2008 - 9:18:07 AM
About your questions on your next blog. My main rules on getting along with my parents, is to give them as little information on your life as possible, but give them enough to make them satisfied. If they ask how your day was, say "Fine." or something like that. From experience, if you get to connected, you start to trust them more then you should. For example, if you trust your mom, make sure you always knows where she is if she leaves the room. Or, she might be in yours, reading your journal (diary). All my friends and I believe that parents aren't to be trusted lightly, but you have to at least show you care about them (my mom's still trying to earn my trust back, she pulled the read-my-daughter's-diary thing). Make sure you eat dinner with them and talk small talk with them. Remember, dont give your parents to much information. It could make you regret it. But, if you want to trust your parents as much as possible, hide the thing you dont want your parents to see in very difficult places. Like underneath a floor board, or under a bunch of clothes you never wear and so on. Also, get out of the house as much as possible. If you can't talk to your parents, your parents can't bug you about anything. If you need help with a problem, sure, ask your parents, but make it sound like it's a friend's problem so they don't get over concerned. If you listen to music you think you're parents wont like, listen to it anyway. They'll adjust (lol i've done it and same with my brothers). Just make sure you're happy with the closeness with your parents. And you can always get closer if you don't like it. PS Please keep in mind that these are thoughts of a 14 year old.
- Ericka

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 10:40:55 PM
i think should do a blog on getting along with your siblings. my sister just got really mad at me and took a picture of herself that i had on my school binder cut her self out of it without asking. (she didnt like the picture and had asked me before to take it off but i didnt) so i am really mad right now and my sister now says that im the meanest person in the whole world for not taking the picture off. anyways i think you should do a blog about getting along with youre siblings. ~ Rachel Nelson~
- Rachel N.

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 10:13:10 PM
i really can`t do anything because i have a step-dad and they don`t fight. i was wondering if your next blog could be physical abuse please i`ve been through stuff like that, but i can`t stop thinking about it.
- jake r.

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 9:47:14 PM
i personal dont have a good relationship with my parents because they are always working and i have a busy life myself . my parents dont have any rules for me .
- andrea

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 9:22:43 PM
I think you should blog about how to go to counseling.
- Grey

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 8:15:27 PM
It's not hard to get along with your parents unless they are alocholics or drug-addicts. I have learned if you listen to your parents and actually listen to what they are trying to tell not just blow it off and think here we go again another lecture, then it will have more of an advantage to you. Your parents just want to make sure you don't make the same mistakes they did. Even though every person is different, they don't want you to be in a rut when your out of the house. They make you do chores because you have to learn that responability because mommy and daddy won't always be there to clean up your messes for once listen to your parents and do what they tell you and see what happens. =]
- Nikki

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 7:49:44 PM
First thing,I only have 1 parent with me. My mom..she's both my mom and father. She isn't a difficult person but we do clash at times-as would any other relationship. I guess the main reason why we get along is because we understand each other. I'm a teenager right now,turning 18 and she understands that like anyone else,I want to experience life. I also understand though,that as her daughter I have to respect her wishes and inform her wat I do and pretty much just make her understand that the advice she gives me,I do listen to. So overall,it's understand and trust.
- Dora P.

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 7:20:02 PM
Question 1 I get along with my parents to the point we don't unless we have to because they are against what i am doing with my life. They don't like I do like for example me going to church or being an Christian. Its not like all I do our bad. Accept I was a cutter and sometimes I still fight against that addiction. I use to cut almost everyday but I did it once in almost a 11 months. Question 2 TOPICS- having to choose something over your friend to have a better furture. Lonely, lost, grief.
- Ashley C.

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 4:34:16 PM
Hey Abigail, Dawson recently did a 5 part series on "Getting Over A Broken Heart". Just CLICK HERE FOR DAWSON'S PREVIOUS BLOGS and scroll down the list of Blog titles to read each of those blogs.
- ~ from the DMLive staff

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 4:33:26 PM
It would be great if you could blog about how to go on after getting a broken heart. it hurts. it just happened to me. Thanks, I LOVE YOUR SHOW! IT'S SO ENCOUREGEING! KEEP AT IT. I LISTEN EVERY SUNDAY. I PRAY GOD CONTUES TO WORK THROUGH YOU AND YOUR MINISTRY. THANKS! Abigail
- Abigail

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 4:00:02 PM
This is day one of me respecting or trying to respect myself. Last night I attempted hanging myself and I wouldnt be here if the bar didnt collapse. It was a wake up call for me realizing that there are many people in my life that care and it would only be selfish to get rid of my pain and give everyone else the pain. A mixture of pressure from school, having a minimum wage job, sexuality issues that I dont understand and trying to fit in is still on my shoulders, I know that wat im commenting about isnt helping others, just wanted to vent a little. wanted to know what I can do to get this off my mind..Dawson I listen to your show any chance I get and I still admire someone that gives so much to others, theirs no better rolemodel
- Garrett

Friday, Oct 3, 2008 - 2:11:41 PM
okay ive been through some really hard times. me and my boyfriend keep this fight going about how i dont understand him. sometimes he sounds like me when i have that time of the month. but before that ive had a really crappy life. and i still dont respect my self the way i should because of my past. but i, right now, am putting all that behind me and i am trying to point my life in the right way but its serverly hard to when my boyfriend is pulling his crap again. all i really need right now is for him to help me, he been there for me in the past way more then anyone else but ever since last year i started hanging out with more guy friends because i need alittle advise with him, and now he always thinks im cheating. he doesnt say it. but he thinks it. i can tell. ive been dating 2 1/2 years. i can read him like a book yet he says i dont understand him. but it is really hard for me to respect my self when the only person in my life doesnt respect me. he calls me names, he calls me dumb. and using things agenist me to hurt me. he knows how to make me depressed but lately ive just blocked it out and started consentrating on my friends and school and he just gets more mad. how do i deal?
- secret