Think of the most amazing and powerful women you know. Beyoncé? Michelle Obama? Marilyn Monroe?

I'm going to stop you right there.

If you didn't think of yourself first and foremost, you're missing something.

And that's why you let him do this to you.

Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. You know.

Think of the things he does to upset you: He manipulates your words and twists the situation in his favor. He convinces you that you're wrong or, even worse, crazy, all because your opinions don't align with his. He makes you question your self-worth without you even realizing what's in jeopardy.

How many times have you agreed with him just to diffuse an argument? How many times have you been forced to compromise because he would never budge?

How much have you sacrificed emotionally and physically for the sake of keeping your relationship? How many times have your friends or loved ones told you "he's no good for you" or "he doesn't treat you right"? How many times have you ignored them?

And how many times have you let him hurt you because you knew the only alternative was him walking away, and you were terrified of losing him?

Stop.

You're so much better than that. You're so much better than him.

Anyone who makes you feel inferior or insufficient or invaluable is NOT worth your time.

I know you love him, and I know it seems worth it now. But is this what you want for your life? Is this what you'd want for your best friend? What about for your future daughter?

"But he really does love me," you interject, defending him once again. I know, I know. But girl, if he really loved you he wouldn't be doing this to you.

If he really loved you, he wouldn't be able to get enough of you. He would never hurt you because seeing you in pain would only cause him even greater pain. He would never force you to compromise on something important because you would both want the same things. You would both want what's best for the other, what's best for the both of you.

He would never do things that kept you up at night, worrying about whether or not you're good enough. He would make sure you knew every day just how much you mean to him and how crazy he is about you. He would never be someone whose actions you had to defend to your friends or your parents, especially not over and over again.

And if he really loved you, he would never allow you to live in fear of losing him. He would make sure you were secure in your relationship, as you have every right to be.

So, please, stop making excuses for him. Stop taking the easy way out.

Stand up for yourself. Be your own Beyoncé or Marilyn. Love and value yourself, regardless of how your "man" treats you.

And never be afraid to walk away from someone who acts like it's an inconvenience to have you standing by his side, to begin with.

You're too good for that, and you're most definitely too good for him.