SELF
I Love Myself Too: Maintain Self-Love in Relationships
I’m sure you’ve heard people warning others to avoid losing themselves in their relationships. And I’m certain you’ve seen examples of such a cautionary tale too: what were once independent and self-assured folks have become dependent and dissatisfied.
Many of us often tell each other to fully love ourselves before entering relationships to avoid that fate. Romance may involve two people, but in a way, you’re also dating yourself. The longer you are with your partner, the more you discover — or lose — yourself.
Relationships shouldn’t stop you from carrying the “I love myself” flag. You can do both simultaneously! Who says you can’t do this kind of multi-tasking?
The Importance of Self-Love in Relationships
It’s counterproductive to deny yourself of your worthiness while you devote your love to others. The more you keep that up, the more you resent your predicament. It’s as if you’re telling people you aren’t worth loving.
If you engage in such behavior, take this as your cue to cut it out. It’s not healthy!
You are entitled to your feelings, and you don’t deserve someone who’ll constantly disrespect you. Once you realize this, you’ll finally start putting yourself on your list of priorities. You are responsible for your happiness, after all. No one else should carry that.
Loving yourself paves the way for authentic relationships. When you know your worth, people will see you’re ready to give someone your heart without any catch or pretense. And in turn, you’ll realize there’s someone who’ll go all in on you — no strings attached.
I can’t overstate how crucial loving yourself is in relationships. You can’t ignore the obvious connection between the two. If you don’t know how to appreciate and cherish yourself, how can you give that to someone else?
How to Keep Loving Yourself While in a Relationship
Strike a healthy balance through these tips:
#1: Cut yourself some slack
We are our own worst critics, but we should be our best cheerleaders too. Why not extend the grace you give to others to yourself? Celebrate your wins along with accepting your losses.
#2: Keep your circle close
Your partner isn’t the only person in your orbit. They’re not the only ones who love you (not romantically, but you get what I mean). Spend time with family, keep in touch with friends, and don’t push your other loved ones away.
#3: Make “me time” a priority too
Some space won’t kill your relationship. Make the most of your alone time by doing things that make you happy. Your partner will understand that some activities are best done on your own.
#4: Stand your ground
Saying no is a powerful statement. Learn to reject things that put your self-worth on the back burner. We can’t (and shouldn’t) say yes to everything! Boundaries exist for a reason.
#5: Take things one day at a time
There’s no need to hurry with developing your self-love. It doesn’t follow a schedule, so proceed at your own pace.
Don’t stop waving the “I love myself” banner even if you have a partner. Your relationship will be better off that way. Loving yourself isn’t necessarily being selfish, so indulge yourself in some self loving every now and then.
