Building a Stronger Relationship With Yourself

"While I didn't say it out loud, I internally questioned the meaning behind the phrase as well as its value. I flippantly thought, "Honestly, what does that even mean? Love yourself? I'm totally good with the term 'liking oneself,' but 'loving oneself?'" I certainly had heard the term before, but it just never sat well with me; it didn't fit my internal framework. Initially, it seemed a bit too soft, selfish, even somewhat narcissistic. However, over time, I gradually began to reconsider my perspective."

"Over the years, many clients I've worked with struggle with losing themselves in their relationships, people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, addiction, and other behaviors that don't honor their self in a healthy way. At the core of each of these issues inevitably lies a poor relationship with the self. Take a moment to reflect on this question: What's your relationship with yourself like? Keep in mind, if your self-talk is positive, your boundaries are firm, you can assert yourself effectively, and you make choices that benefit you."

Building a strong relationship with oneself reduces people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, addiction, and other behaviors that disrespect personal needs. Self-love can feel uncomfortable or narcissistic initially, but reframing it as self-respect and healthy alignment of choices improves mental health. Therapists often work on self-relationship alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, and communication issues. Positive self-talk, firm boundaries, assertiveness, and decisions that prioritize personal well-being reflect a healthy self-relationship. Self-care encompasses body, mind, and soul. Consistently choosing actions that honor the self creates a more authentic, resilient, and fulfilling life.

Read at Psychology Today