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China Elevator Stories
The Limits of Tolerance
Just as with anything, there are limits to what we are able to tolerate.
15/05/2025
Ruth Silbermayr
Author
As human beings, we can—and should—strive to be tolerant of others. But tolerance has its limits. It only applies when others act in ways that are, at the very least, tolerable.
If you’re stalking someone, that person has no obligation to be tolerant of your stalking.
If you’ve made yourself the center of someone else’s life—uninvited and unwelcome—that person is entirely within her rights to set boundaries and remove you from her life.
If you’re harassing someone, she has every right to tell you to stop—and to take steps to ensure that you leave her alone, especially if the harassment is ongoing and the blackmail doesn’t stop.
If you’re playing a manipulative game, the other person has every right to opt out and refuse to participate.
No one is required to tolerate childish behavior, emotional outbursts, guilt-tripping, or blackmail—especially when these are tactics used to extract something that isn’t deserved.
If you’re so selfish and arrogant that everything is always about you—while ignoring the needs and presence of others—don’t expect tolerance in return.
No one has to tolerate loud, obnoxious, or derogatory behavior.
A woman doesn’t need to tolerate a man forcing himself into her life, ignoring who she truly is, or failing to recognize that they aren’t even remotely compatible. She doesn’t have to accept lies, manipulation, or deceit.
She isn’t obligated to put up with being used for someone else’s selfish gain, or with having her space constantly invaded.
She doesn’t need to tolerate jealousy or greed.
She doesn’t need to be tolerant of intolerance, or of extremism in any form.
She doesn’t owe anyone affection or intimacy—especially not someone incapable of genuine connection.
She doesn’t have to accept less than she deserves. And she certainly doesn’t have to accept a thief—someone who pretends to want her to ‘be better’ while actually trying to force her into becoming someone else: someone extroverted, narcissistic, shallow, superficial, or obsessed with empty pursuits. All the while, he’s stealing her belongings, relationships, projects—everything—while she’s too busy cleaning up the catastrophe he created in her life.
She doesn’t need to become tolerant of the intolerable.
And neither do the rest of us.
Have you ever been asked to tolerate the intolerable?
On a side note: The font on my blog has been changed by one of the stalkers I have. I haven’t changed it myself, since I don’t like the new font. My apologies!
Wonderful site. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to some pals ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you to your effort!
Thanks!