In a world where we often measure worth by external standards—like looks, achievements, or the ability to meet others’ expectations—it’s easy to forget this truth: every person has worth, no matter what. Balancing work and family life can make it even harder to remember this, as we juggle numerous roles and pressures. This story explores how to reclaim that worth, understand the power of consent, and embrace love and intimacy on our own terms.
“Can you just finish me off?” he asks. Out of obligation and insecurity, you comply. He rolls over and falls asleep, leaving you alone with your silent tears and unspoken emotions. This isn’t the first time you’ve gone through the motions, feeling disconnected, unworthy, and used. You act this way because someone taught you that being a tease is sexy, but not following through isn’t. Consequently, you’ve internalized that being a tease means you must “finish the job.”
This story might sound familiar—it certainly was for me, for far too long even while balancing work and family life.
What frustrated me the most was that I knew I could say no. I had the right to decline, protect my boundaries, and honor my own needs. However, in those real-life moments, I let fear of rejection, the need for approval, and pressure to conform to others’ expectations cloud my sense of self-worth. Balancing work and family life only intensified these feelings, as I often felt like I was constantly falling short.
I spent years believing that my worth depended on how well I could meet someone else’s desires. I discovered that worthiness is intrinsic—it’s something we all possess simply by being human. We don’t need to earn, bargain for, or prove it.
For years, societal pressure and lies of obligation dictated my actions. I believed that I owed something to someone just because they desired it and that my value depended on my ability to please others. However, these beliefs were far from the truth. Every person deserves respect, to have their boundaries honored, and to experience genuine, fulfilling love. Balancing work and family life involves learning to prioritize self-respect and setting limits.
It wasn’t until I met, dated, and married Mr. Sexy that I truly began to understand this. He recognized that intimacy involves delicate conversations, whether we wore clothes or not. He showed me what true intimacy could be—a space where he heard my voice, respected my boundaries, and never questioned my worth.Importantly, he didn’t love me for what I could do for him; he loved me for who I am, imperfections and all. This process of healing and self-discovery is ongoing in our relationship.
Undoubtedly, it takes time, patience, and love to undo years of feeling unworthy, being used, and being valued only by the world’s superficial standards.
This journey involves reprogramming self-perception, challenging ingrained beliefs, and learning to prioritize your own needs and boundaries. Embracing your inherent worth means allowing yourself to experience self-compassion and acceptance, even in the face of past hurts. As you navigate the complexities of balancing work and family life, remember that your self-worth isn’t conditional on meeting external expectations.
Here’s a crucial truth to remember: You are worthy. You deserve a healthy, fulfilling sex life—one based on mutual respect, trust, and genuine desire. You can experience deep and authentic love that honors your true self.
Most importantly, you are worthy of this love simply because you exist.
Too many people, especially women, have internalized the harmful message that their value depends on what they can provide for others—whether physical, emotional, or in terms of productivity. We’ve been conditioned to believe that we must constantly prove our worth and earn love, respect, and validation. But this is a lie. Your worth is inherent. It doesn’t depend on your actions, achievements, or ability to meet others’ expectations. You are valuable just as you are.
Remember, you are not alone. Your worth is infinite, your value is unchanging, and you deserve love that uplifts and respects you. Together, we can navigate the path to embracing your worth and living a life that honors the incredible person you are. Balancing work and family life is just one part of this journey, but it’s essential to know that you are worthy of love and respect throughout every aspect of your life.
This journey of understanding your worth and reclaiming your power is deeply personal, but you don’t have to walk it alone. If this story resonates with you, if you have questions, or if you simply want someone to talk to, I invite you to reach out. Please send me an email or leave a comment below.
