There are a lot of challenges that one goes through during a lifetime. There will be times when it is a struggle to keep your self-image positive. But one of the most important lessons to learn, especially as you enter your 20s, is that you have to be able to defend yourself, because you are your first priority. Now is your time to be selfish, and making sure that you are happy should be number one on your list.

Of course, there are going to be times in our lives when we say the wrong thing, or we are just, overall, in the wrong. But, one should be able to still be a graceful person and admit when they are wrong, and also be able to stand up for themselves and refuse to be walked all over. Confrontation has become a frightening prospect—what with the smoke and mirrors that today's dependence on technology has allowed us to afford. But, the truth is, confrontation is a necessary fact of life, especially as you enter the work force and are in constant interaction with your peers.

As we progress through these growing levels of maturity, it is important to realize that standing up for ourselves does not mean being rude or refusing to acknowledge that someone else has a valid opinion. But no one is allowed to take your self-esteem away from you. You have the right to be able to tell someone when they are disrespecting you.

What becomes tough is when someone that is disrespecting you is someone close to you that you consider to be someone that you care about. But unfortunately, the same principles apply. Having the courage to stand up for ourselves even to someone that is important to us is a significant stepping-stone on the way to self-acceptance and satisfaction.

Above all, remember this, the next time that you find someone disrespecting you, you have a right to speak up. And even though it may be nerve-wracking at the time, you will feel so much better about yourself when it is over, as long as you remain respectful and levelheaded. Your happiness is most important. It is okay to be selfish and to ask for respect.