The expression "bending will" means to persuade someone to your way of thinking or to force them to do something against their will. Antonyms for this phrase include "respecting autonomy," meaning to uphold someone's right to make their own choices without interference. Another antonym is "embracing diversity," which refers to valuing the differences in people and accepting them as they are without attempting to change them. "Fostering independence" is another antonym, which is the act of empowering individuals to make decisions for themselves and be self-sufficient. Lastly, "honoring individuality" means to recognize and celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives of an individual without trying to mold them into a certain way of thinking or behaving.