If I Don't Love Myself, I Can't Love Others: Understanding Self-Acceptance as a Foundation for Genuine Relationships
If I Don't Love Myself, I Can't Love Others: Understanding Self-Acceptance as a Foundation for Genuine Relationships The adage "you cannot love others if you don't love yourself" might sound like a worn-out platitude, but its core message is profound and often neglected. Real self-love is misconstrued by many as a license for narcissism or self-indulgence, but that couldn't be further from its true significance. We sometimes forget that to love oneself is not about prioritizing our needs over the well-being of others; rather, it's an ongoing journey of self-acceptance that aligns with the compassionate acceptance God has for us. By embracing ourselves with the kind of acceptance and love that we believe God extends to us, we lay the groundwork for authentic relationships with others. When we truly accept ourselves, our capacity to love others grows, allowing us to engage with them genuinely and graciously as God intended. This love is not about ego o...