We all have one thing in common: the need to love and be loved.
On the surface, love seems an easy thing to find and loving an easy thing to do. As most people come to realize, though, love can be so elusive.
It’s no wonder about 59 percent of millennials in the United States are single, and those who fall in love don’t remain in love longer than two years.
This begs the question: why isn’t love working out for most people? We think it’s because most people haven’t learned to love themselves before entering relationships.
Eager to learn how to love yourself? Read on!
Discover Your Faults
“She is no longer the person I met and fell in love with”
“I didn’t know he would turn out to be an alcoholic”
“I don’t deserve you”
When a couple breaks up, it’s not uncommon for either party to make such statements. This is what happens when people enter a relationship without a full grasp of who their partner really is.
That’s why it’s vital to discover your faults before falling in love.
Identify the things you always complain about or ask your close friends and relatives what they don’t like about you.
After establishing your faults, take steps to address them. And if there are faults you cannot fix, you’ll at least make peace with them and learn to love yourself as you’re.
Make Peace with Your Past
Sometimes the past gets in the way of self-love.
Maybe you’re an ex-convict or you got into a nasty fight with a sibling a couple of years ago, and now you’re living with deep regret.
While there’s little you can do to change the events of the past, you have the power to forgive yourself, move on and love yourself. Reach out to people you’ve crossed paths with and try to build new bridges.
Even if they turn down your olive branch, you’ll be in a better place knowing you did all you could.
Unless you close old wounds, learning to love yourself will be a futile exercise.
Practice Self-Care
Between working a job or studying and keeping up with family and friends, it’s easy to fall into a hole of self-neglect. This not only puts your health and wellbeing in harm’s way but also complicates your love life.
Nobody is going to love you if don’t tend to your basic needs.
Practicing self-care is not just about maintaining good standards of personal hygiene and having a balanced diet. It’s also about having enough rest and sleep, keeping a good work-life balance, and spending time doing what you enjoy.
Plus, do regular physical exercise and throw in a vacation once in a while.
Learn From a Life Coach
A life coach costs money, sure, but you’re assured of getting a customized approach to finding self-love. Additionally, the coach can help you improve other aspects of your life, unlocking your full potential in the process.
Now You Know How to Love Yourself!
Falling in love with another person is a magical feeling. But before you do so, ensure you’re already in love with yourself.
And now that we have taught you how to love yourself, you’ve no excuse to enter a relationship without a healthy amount of self-love.
While at it, be sure to explore more of our lifestyle insights.
