How Dare You Prioritize the Feelings of Strangers?!

Let’s just say it—

Somewhere along the way, a lot of us were taught that it’s our job to make other people comfortable. To keep the peace. To bite our tongues, smile politely, and prioritize how others feel over how we actually are.

But lately?

I’ve been asking myself a different question:

How dare I prioritize the feelings of strangers over my own truth?How dare I teach my children to be kind at their own expense?
How dare I let someone else’s mood dictate my worth, my boundaries, or how I move through this world?

This is for the women who’ve ever left a conversation feeling small.

For the moms who’ve watched someone speak to their child with judgment and swallowed their reaction to “not make a scene.”

For the daughters who keep showing up to family functions where the comments are always just a little too sharp.

For the employees who go above and beyond just to stay on someone’s good side—someone who doesn’t even know their heart.

You’re not weak for being empathetic.

But you’re not required to sacrifice yourself on the altar of other people’s comfort.

Especially not for people who wouldn’t do the same for you.

It’s okay to say:

• “That doesn’t work for me.”

• “Please don’t speak to me that way.”

• “No, thank you.”

• “I’m not going to stay quiet anymore.”

Because your peace matters. Your voice matters. And you’re allowed to be both kind and clear.

So the next time you feel yourself shrinking to protect someone else’s ego, remember this:

Your life isn’t a stage for strangers to feel comfortable.
Your worth isn’t measured by how easy you are to swallow.
You don’t owe silence to anyone.
You are allowed to take up space.
And you are allowed to stop prioritizing the feelings of people who have never once prioritized you.

With sass, wine, and big girl boundaries,

— Blonde Tipsy Mama