Self Love Is Key to Getting the Love We Want
Lack of Self Love Sabotages Relationships
Many relationship problems come from our subconscious belief that we aren't worthy of love. If self-love is a problem for us, we'll seek love, respect, and acceptance from others, but feel disappointed when they don’t provide the kind we want. Even more frustrating, we'll sabotage a potentially loving relationship because our inner voice tells us we don’t deserve love and happiness.Marriage counselors Katie and Gay Hendricks have analyzed this common problem and share excellent advice on their Hearts in Harmony website. I encourage you to learn the telltale behaviors caused by this subconscious problem. They also explain that
Loving yourself isn’t about being conceited. It’s about accepting yourself and your feelings and not needing to look to outside sources to feel like you’re worthy of love and consideration.[1]
What Does Self-Love Feel Like?
Once we understand where this lack of self love comes from, we can begin to heal and welcome love into our lives. How do we know what self love feels like if we’ve never had it? The Hendricks offer this helpful list:
- Loving yourself means you don’t hide who you really are. You share your feelings – even the messy ones – and own up the truth of your life and your mistakes.
- You don’t need to prove anything to anyone, because you know the only opinion that matters about your self-worth is your own.
- You don’t accept bad treatment, or social pressure, or feel compelled to do things you don’t want to do just because you are “supposed to."
- You can fully accept and enjoy being loved by someone else. You aren’t doubtful of their feelings. You never worry if their love will end, or if you aren’t good enough, or unworthy.
- You aren’t afraid of getting hurt. You don’t push love away, or run away, or subconsciously create reasons why your relationship will let you down.
- You are at peace with yourself, and can channel your energy into CREATING what you want, not PROTECTING what you don’t want to lose.
- You feel giddy, light… free.[2]
Peace, Dr. Pamm[1] Katie and Gay Hendricks, “Why Constantly Complaining About How Others Treat You Could Be A Sign Of A Much Deeper Truth… About Yourself,” Hearts in Harmony,[2] Ibid.