If there's one thing you should never do, it's beg someone for the bare minimum, whether romantic or otherwise. The bare minimum is simply the least a person can do—just one step above nothing. A relationship should always be progressing, and for it to continue moving forward, both partners need to invest in it. Relying on the bare minimum will never be sufficient to achieve that.
The bare minimum in a relationship includes respect, affection, attention, care, kindness, time, and effort. These are the essentials you should always expect from your partner or friend. A person who values your time will not make you beg for what you deserve. He will offer you these things willingly, without hesitation, and then some.
If you find yourself pleading, "Please stay," it's a clear sign that the relationship was never truly mutual. Shift your focus to those genuinely wanting to be a part of your life. The right people will choose to stay, not out of obligation, but because they recognize and appreciate your worth. Remember, your self-worth and self-respect are your own—no one else has the power to define them.
If you must assert your needs, say, "I beg to differ" or "I beg your pardon?" If you feel the need to plead, let it be in this empowering way—not to convince someone to stay or to seek love, but to affirm that you won't settle for being diminished by their actions.
Letting someone go is not a reflection of hatred or a lack of respect; it signifies that you value yourself more, and that's a courageous and positive decision. Refuse to accept a one-sided relationship; true relationships thrive on mutual effort and respect, not on one person constantly pursuing the other. Stand firm in your values, and surround yourself with those who recognize them.
You can choose people who genuinely want to be with you, appreciate you, and go above and beyond for you. It's important to understand that selecting who is good for you and who is toxic is not selfish; it's the bare minimum you should do for yourself.
Anything you allow will continue to happen. Often, we forget to love ourselves as much as we love others. Don't give everything to those who do not provide anything in return. Relationships are a two-way street, and investing your energy where it is reciprocated is much more rewarding. You shouldn't feel guilty for expecting love, affection, and respect.
If you aren't getting as much as you deserve, ask for more or walk out the door. It's not greedy. It's treating yourself like a priority. Ultimately, the most important relationship you must save is the one with yourself.
A relationship isn't genuine if you are the only one making an effort. You don't beg for what should be freely reciprocated; letting things happen organically can yield greater results. Don't force things to happen in your favour; it may fail. Know when to hang on and when to hang up.
If you are practically begging for crumbs from someone who's shown you time and time again that they're not even capable of serving up a full meal, you will end up starving.
People only treat us how we allow them to, so it's up to us to choose our own boundaries and decide what we'd like our future to look like. Having people in your life who encourage and support you will not just sustain you; it will keep you emotionally full. You deserve more than a person who makes you beg for the bare minimum. The bare minimum is not impressive, and it's never enough.
You deserve someone who is all in, and someone who meets you at your level. You don’t deserve those things one day. You deserve them right now.
Steamed Clams in a White Wine Cream Sauce
INGREDIENTS
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¼ cup minced garlic
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- 3 pounds small clams
- (mussels and/or shrimp)
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Chopped parsley and crusty bread for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak clams in cold water for at least 30 minutes; drain well. You may want to repeat this process several times, because clams are notoriously sandy.
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and green onion and cook for 3-5 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add wine, chicken stock, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in clams. Reduce heat to low; cover, with a tight-fitting lid, and cook until the clams have opened, stirring once, about 8-10 minutes. Discard any unopened clams.
- Remove from heat; stir in zest and juice of lemon, heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Garnished with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
