We (as a collective) spend a huge amount of time answering, advising and comforting people who a) feel miserable because they hate themselves and / or b) feel miserable because their happiness depends on an (existing or non-existing) significant other. I thought it would save us a lot of typing to just make a thread about how to learn to love yourself with tips, experiences and maybe even techniques?

My tips are:

1. Stop making it a problem that you have problems. Literally everyone does. You're perfect just as you are, although not living to your full potential. Just not worrying about your perceived flaws brings peace of mind and saves you an amazing amount of energy to invest in yourself. It also has the potential to break downward spirals such as bulimia.

2. Treat your body well. It's my belief that states we think of as psychological can actually be quite physical. Depression could just be caused by a malfunctioning thyroid. Healthy food, no drugs (including tobacco), little alcohol and yoga have made me a virtually different person.

PS. mods, I realise this thread sort of belongs in mental health, but most of the people who'd hopefully benefit from this, post in love & relationships. Feel free to move it...

I really love the idea of this thread! Well done Aspirin Baby : )

I would say pamper yourself. I don't mean spending huge amount of money and going to a spa. I mean do little things for yourself that make you feel good and that show yourself that you love and respect yourself, E.g. whether it be putting on moisturiser after a shower or painting you nails.

Also TRUST your instinct. if you feel something trust it. I used not to and I know now I should have!

My mother always says "it'll come out in the wash" and it always does.

After drought cometh rain,
After pleasure cometh pain;
But yet it continueth not so.
For after rain
Cometh drought again,
And joy after pain and woe.

ramon knows how to love himself.

too bad he didn't hate himself and end the misery that is his life.

__________________

Nice tip...