You Don't Have To "Love Yourself First"
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

You Don't Have To "Love Yourself First"

You deserve love, too.

106
You Don't Have To "Love Yourself First"
Jeffrey Davis Jr.

Everyone has heard someone in their life say it: "You'll never be ready for a relationship unless you love yourself first." And while I am one to push for self-love and self-acceptance, I also know there are times when even the most confident people question themselves. There is not a single person who can say they feel 100% confident in themselves 100% of the time. It's just human nature to have doubt.

But every time you tell someone, "You need to love yourself first," or "Things will work out so much better for you if you learn to love yourself before you try to love someone else," you are telling a human being they are not worthy of love until they reach a certain point. You are telling them they cannot love another person. And to me, that is not fair in the slightest.

No one gets to decide who is worthy of love and caring, no one can tell a person they don't deserve love or their relationships won't work out because of a lack of self-love. These people struggling to accept themselves may not need the confidence, but they definitely need support from others; whether that be friends, relationships, family, etc. These people need to be loved.

Next time you see someone struggling in a relationship, don't jump to saying "If you loved yourself, you'd be in a much better place". It doesn't help. Encourage those around you who are struggling. Everyone is deserving of love, even if they don't love themselves. How is anyone supposed to know how to love without an example? Be kind, love those who don't love themselves, they need it the most.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

88905
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

57948
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments