If People Treat You Like an Option, Cross Them Like a Choice
Don’t settle for being someone’s backup plan.
Learn why you deserve respect and how to walk away when treated as an option, not a priority.
Life is too short to be anyone’s second choice.
If someone treats you like an option, it’s time to take control, value yourself, and cross them out of your life like the deliberate choice you know you are.
Allowing people to undervalue you not only diminishes your worth
but also takes away energy that could be spent on relationships that truly matter.
Let’s explore why you should never settle for being an option, how to identify when it’s happening, and the empowerment that comes from choosing yourself.
1. Understanding What It Means to Be an Option
Being treated like an option means someone only values you when it’s convenient for them.
You’re not a priority but a backup plan—someone they turn to when they have nothing better to do.
A. Signs You’re Being Treated Like an Option
- They don’t make time for you unless it’s on their terms.
- They’re inconsistent—giving you attention one day and ignoring you the next.
- They only reach out when they need something from you.
B. Why It Hurts
- Being an option makes you feel undervalued and disrespected.
- It creates an unequal dynamic where your needs and feelings are dismissed.
2. Why You Deserve Better
You are not someone’s fallback plan.
You deserve relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or professional—where mutual respect and value are the foundation.
A. Self-Worth Comes First
- Recognize your own value and refuse to tolerate behaviour that undermines it.
- Example: If a friend only calls you when they need help but is absent when you need them, it’s a one-sided relationship.
B. Respect is Non-Negotiable
- Healthy relationships are built on mutual effort and care.
- Example: A partner who makes time for you, listens, and supports you shows they value you as a priority.
3. How to Identify When It’s Time to Cross Them Out
Knowing when to walk away is crucial for protecting your self-esteem and emotional well-being.
A. Patterns of Disrespect
- If someone repeatedly dismisses your feelings or makes you feel unimportant, it’s a clear sign they don’t value you.
B. Lack of Effort
- Relationships require effort from both sides. If you’re the only one putting in the work, it’s time to reevaluate.
C. Feeling Drained
- Relationships should uplift you, not exhaust you. If you feel more drained than fulfilled, it’s a sign to let go.
4. How to Cross Them Like a Choice
Walking away isn’t about being cruel; it’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being.
A. Set Clear Boundaries
- Communicate your needs and expectations.
If they can’t meet them, it’s time to move on. - Example: “I need people in my life who value and respect me. If you can’t do that, I’m stepping away.”
B. Focus on Yourself
- Redirect the energy you spent on them into improving your own life.
Pursue hobbies, goals, and relationships that bring you joy.
C. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
- Seek out relationships where you’re genuinely valued and appreciated.
5. The Empowerment of Choosing Yourself
Walking away from those who treat you like an option isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most empowering decisions you can make.
A. Reclaim Your Time and Energy
- Cutting out toxic relationships frees you to focus on what truly matters.
B. Build Confidence
- Standing up for yourself reinforces your self-worth and confidence.
C. Create Space for Better Relationships
- By letting go of those who undervalue you, you make room for relationships that enrich your life.
6. Lessons Learned from Letting Go
A. Value is Mutual
- Relationships thrive when both parties invest equally in each other.
B. Self-Worth is Non-Negotiable
- Your value isn’t determined by how others treat you.
It comes from within.
C. Letting Go is Growth
- Walking away teaches resilience, independence, and the importance of setting standards.
Conclusion: You Are the Choice
Being treated like an option is a disrespect you don’t have to endure.
You are not a placeholder, a convenience, or a backup plan—you are the main choice.
When someone doesn’t see your worth, have the courage to cross them out of your life like the choice you know you are.
Life is too short to spend on people who don’t value you.
Choose yourself, respect your worth, and surround yourself with those who see and appreciate your value.
Call to Action: Have you ever been treated like an option?
Share your experiences and how you reclaimed your self-worth in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to choose ourselves!
