Settle once and it’s a compromise. Settle every time and it’s a lifestyle.

Individual compromises are usually sensible, since life requires them and treating each one as a betrayal is exhausting. The danger sits in the pattern, because a habit of accepting slightly less never announces itself as a decision. You notice only later, looking back, when you realise you stopped asking. No single moment was the mistake, which is exactly what makes it hard to catch.

Look at the last three things you accepted instead of asking about. If they all point the same way, push back on the next one, even slightly.