Summary

The article "You Are Not Worth It Part 2" satirically critiques the concept of entitlement and self-worth, particularly in the context of dating and personal interactions.

Abstract

The author of "You Are Not Worth It Part 2" uses a fictional scenario involving a character named Michael who feels entitled to a date with a woman named Jane simply because he believes he is "worth it." The article humorously dissects the absurdity of such entitlement, highlighting the self-delusion involved in believing one's worth automatically grants them anything they desire from others. It extends the critique to broader societal trends, where an inflated sense of self-worth leads to unreasonable expectations and a lack of accountability. The piece concludes by acknowledging the importance of self-worth but warns against the dangers of excessive self-aggrandizement, suggesting that society has taken the concept too far.

Opinions

The author ridicules the notion that personal entitlement should dictate others' actions, such as Jane's decision to reject a date.
The article suggests that an inflated sense of self-worth can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding towards others' autonomy and choices.
It criticizes the contemporary cultural emphasis on self-care and self-esteem for potentially fostering narcissism and a sense of entitlement.
The author points out the absurdity of consumer expectations, as seen in a critical review of "The Boys Season 2," where a viewer feels entitled to dictate how a streaming service should release content.
The piece acknowledges that while self-worth is important, the current societal trend has led to an unhealthy obsession with personal entitlement.
The author hints at a follow-up discussion (Part 3) that will explore entitlement in the context of men in the dating scene and its origins beyond the influence of patriarchy.

You Are Not Worth It Part 2

You really are that awful

30 seconds spent on this article really helps with Medium’s algorithm. Bear that in mind before you bounce, because the link to part 1 is at the bottom!

Photo by GEORGE DESIPRIS: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-photo-of-gray-shark-726478/

Before we begin…

Notice what I did in the title? Notice the ‘Part 2’ in the title? Am I Amazon now?

Comment how you see fit. The more entitled the better.

If you read to the bottom, you’ll understand

Jane is really awful

Why, do you ask?

Well, it’s not because of her lovely personality. Nor is it because of her reliability. Her volunteering gives her good points, as does her kind, generous nature. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a reason why Jane is such an awful person.

Well, I’ll tell you.

I asked her out on a date, and she rejected me.

Oh Michael, the Temerity!

The Arrogance!!

The Entitlement!!!

Yes, yes, I’ve heard this all before. But let me explain, and I’ll prove to you why, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Jane is really that bad!

You see, I’m worth it. Just that. That’s all the proof that I need.

Don’t believe me?

Well that’s on you! I need no more go further in persuading you than an elephant need give two twits as to the arrogant lion proclaiming himself king of the jungle!

And that’s because I said that I’m worth it. I need no more than that.

And so, I am entitled to a date with Jane, because I’m worth it.

Jane said no, so Jane is denying me that to which I am entitled.

Therefore, Jane is awful.

QED

How ridiculous does that sound?

Very.

So, you’re wondering if I really think that I am entitled to a date with Jane?

And the answer is, no. No I don’t.

The proposition is fraught with self-delusion. So much so, it took me a while to get into the mindset of someone that entitled.

Jane, if she were real, has no obligation to want to spend time with me, date me, marry me, do a business deal or interact with me anyway. She can reject me for any reason on any proposition. And she doesn’t have to justify it.

But…

We now have a problem. And that problem is that she is obligated to say yes to me.

The reason?

I am entitled to it because I’m worth it.

When self-worth meets reality

I chose this example on purpose to be evocative and prompt an emotional response from you. And I did it for a reason. That reason being that the idea of being entitled to a date, or indeed anything else, is preposterous.

You know it, and I know it.

But in a world where everyone is ‘worth it’, how can it be preposterous?

I mean, seriously, if we all know our worth, love ourselves and are all our best selves, how can anyone reject us anytime, for any reason?

Jane can reject me.

Jane does reject me.

But that must mean that Jane has a problem.

Because I’m worth it.

I’m serious about this. How can someone who believes that they are everything since sliced bread face rejection and then not conclude that the other party is at fault? I mean, if I am perfect then it must be you, right?

But where does that leave us?

This goes beyond dating

We can all relate to the notion of entitlement in dating, and that’s why I imagined the example of Jane and myself. Of course, that did not happen. But it has happened, many times, to many men and women. And not just in dating.

I think that we are all bearing witness to the extreme end of the epoch of ‘I’m worth it’. In fact, I know that you, in your daily life, have noticed this. More and more you’re noticing the rise of self-obsession, self-esteem and ungodly levels of self-worth.

And maybe you’re also noticing the major uptick in articles about self-care, why not to bother yourself with the opinions of others, and how we all need only take X steps to free ourselves from the terrible standards ‘society’ (whatever that is) hold us to so we may finally find our true, authentic-selves.

And it’s getting worse. Even in the mundane. Take this review of The Boys Season 2 from Amazon Prime:

Whoever this is, I firmly believe that the reviewer firmly believes that, in giving a 1 star review, Amazon shall be dealt a devastating blow. And I firmly believe that they genuinely believe that their life is seriously affected by Amazon releasing The Boys 2 in a weekly format.

But you’ve got to remember something; this reviewer is worth it. And so is entitled to demand a streaming service release a show to their particular schedule. The fact that Amazon wishes to make money is immaterial. They should supply the show in the exact manner desired.

Have a read of the 1 star reviews on Amazon Prime. This is not the only one.

They are all totally worth it.

I was right, you really are that awful

The idea of self-worth in and of itself isn’t a bad thing. Feeling the opposite of worthless is a good thing, and many people have suffered due to feeling very unworthy.

But whilst a healthy self-worth is a positive thing, we jumped the shark. But instead of making fashion history by combining short shorts with a crap leather jacket and actually jumping the shark, we let go and dove straight into the gaping jaws of self-aggrandizement.

In part 3, we’ll take a look at men in the dating scene, see how entitled they all are, and have a wonder as to how they ended up that way. And I’m not talking about Patriarchy.

About me

I will write for claps 👏
I love to read your comments — keeps me mindful of my writing
Always interested in reading new things, so let me know about your work
Followers are in short supply (hint, hint)
And, as always, I’m grateful for your time

You Are Not Worth It Part 1

No, you are really not

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