We most times are seen as being proud because we decided to stand up for ourselves, for what we know, for what we believe in because we refused to be silent, we are tagged, "He is too proud or she is too proud!"
Well yeah, everybody has an atom of pride in us and if being proud will make someone not step on me or bully me, then I don't think I mind being proud, if they think standing up for myself means I am being proud then, I am glad they think so because I don't think I give a shit about what they think about me as long as I am standing up for myself hindering them from bullying me.
The truth we should learn to understand is knowing our stand isn't pride, and as such, we shouldn't let anyone guilt trip us when we decide to stand up for ourselves.
Standing up for oneself, standing up for the truth doesn't make anyone proud or does not mean someone is proud, I mean we all have different definition and perspectives about life so why should one standing up for his or herself means the person is being proud, there isn't an atom of pride in there, it us just that they have a level of understanding that they can not allow words temper with their self-esteem and the little you can do is respect their opinion about life same as you want others to respect your opinion about life too.
Because a person isn't defining life the same way you are doesn't mean the person is proud, it means the person's level of understanding is different from yours and all you can do is respect the person's definition or walk out of their life if you can't help but condemn them.
Everyone has something that they are holding onto while they are still pushing to succeed and if what they are holding onto is different from yours, then don't judge them because yours might not be perfect too.
Putting oneself first isn't selfish, neither is it pride, it is called self-care, it is knowing what you want and doing it but if someone decides to define you because of that, then I must say that you are not responsible for the version of you that exists in other people's mind.
Splendid New Week