Oddly enough, we can often be the most difficult person for us to learn to love. Here are a few reasons why you might find it hard to love yourself and some ways to overcome them.
1. We see and know all our ugly sides.
With other people we only see a fraction of who they really are. People will show only what they want you to see, and often they put on their very best front. What you see is not the full picture, trust me. Everyone has an ugly side that they don't want others to see or know about. The problem is we are all too aware of our own ugly sides and we have to learn to accept them.
2. Our flaws are so obvious to us.
We need to stop comparing ourselves to others. It is easy to see beauty in others, but flaws in ourselves. Stop comparing your worst features to someone else's best! Those imperfections which you can't stand, they make you YOU! They are beautiful. Trust me, others have flaws that they are just as aware of, which we are often blind to.
3. Accept yourself for the way you function.
Don't try to live up to an ideal of how you think you should be and kill yourself in the process. Everyone is different. Move at your own pace. Stop trying to keep up with everyone around you. Do what you can and understand that it is good enough.
4. Tell those negative thoughts to go to you-know-where.
When you feel like you're drowning in negative thoughts, call them out for what they really are - lies. You are amazing and wonderful and nothing is gonna bring you down! Negativity is only going to drain your energy, if you let it.
5. Treat yourself!
When you love someone you do things for them, right? So do little things for yourself every now and then. Buy yourself that candy bar! Get yourself that new jacket you've been eyeing! Buy yourself flowers! You deserve it. Show yourself some love!
6. Recognize and accept your limits.
You can't do everything. I know it can be frustrating sometimes, but knowing your limits and accepting them will help you to learn to love yourself. Constantly pushing yourself past your limits will only cause you more frustration and lead to you harboring self-hatred.
7. Recognize that others won't always understand.
We are all unique, so don't be surprised when someone doesn't understand that you've done all you can. Everyone is so very different, yet we like to think everyone is just like us. Just do what is best for you, don't push yourself beyond your limits. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.
It may take time for you to learn to love yourself. Be patient with yourself. Don't give up! You are amazing! It may be harder for you to love yourself if you have grown up without knowing what a loving relationship is like, but it can be done. When you love yourself and accept yourself the way you are, it will become easier to love others.
