No one deserves to be demeaned in life, men or women. I think that regardless of how any of us were brought up and the social acceptance of women should be barefoot and pregnant and in the kitchen and men should be the sole breadwinner and dealing with the bills and running the family, we each have our own ideas of how we wish to be treated and what is acceptable to us and what isn't.

I find though, to make such sweeping statements that all women are demeaned comes from a lack of knowledge and some insight. I also find that such sweeping comments are demeaning as well. These kinds of things can bring out some very strong opinions, which is fine as we all have them, but can be taken to another level of disrespect on either side.

My first husband was an abusive, demeaning alcoholic. We were married for 14 years and had 2 children. I was never so happy to get out of that horrible relationship but I have to say, it did not turn me against men. It did not make me think that "all" men were the way he was. It was one experience and there are millions of men and women in the world. How could I possibly believe that everyone was like him?

We, as women have the ability to decide what we find acceptable or not acceptable in another individual. From there, we either form a relationship or not. We also are responsible for our own reactions to things that we find demeaning. We can pick up and move on away from those individuals who would try to keep us under their thumbs if that's what we want to do.

I think the best way to combat things we find demeaning is to be accepting of ourselves, our beliefs and yes, even accepting of the person who is demeaning. It doesn't mean we have to have a relationship of any kind with them, it doesn't mean we have to like their behavior, it's knowing who they are, who we are and to stand strong for ourselves. Being true to ourselves is the best way to live in my book.