Self respect is a relative term..granted.
Here, Prerna has always vulnerable to the Basu family because of her love for Anurag. She does put up with a lot and forgive a lot. And fighting for your love, your rights as a lover is different from standing up for your own actions and owning them. Which is why her attitude yesterday seemed different.
Of course, she could've done the same with Mr Bajaj as well. Again, her repeated refrain was only about her love, not about herself. Only once, did she mention that she doesn't have anyone to talk to, explain herself.
In fact, it would give her character much needed layers if she stood up for herself. Whatever be the situation.
But yes, Prerna having layers is khayali pulao.
With reference to the topic, time and again Mr Bajaj did tell her to stop punishing herself or blaming herself. Yes, she walked into a deal marriage and berated herself to a toxic level where she felt she deserved all the insults thrown at her. That is called degrading yourself.
We can keep arguing about this forever. This was my two penny bit. 😃