Self-Care as a Love Language
Briefly

The article explores the intergenerational guilt surrounding self-care, often instilled by familial expectations, particularly within immigrant communities. It highlights how a lack of self-care—not prioritizing one’s own needs—can lead to emotional depletion and strained relationships. The author reflects on their own experiences growing up with a mother whose relentless efforts to care for others masked her own needs. The conclusion emphasizes that self-care is not selfish; rather, it enables individuals to love and engage with others more freely and joyfully without emotional depletion.
Guilt around self-care often stems from inherited beliefs about priorities; healing begins with a mindset shift towards recognizing the necessity of self-love.
Love manifests not only through actions but also in how you emotionally engage and show up for others, which requires self-awareness and self-care.
Embracing self-care enables individuals to extend love freely, minimizing feelings of resentment and ensuring emotional well-being, ultimately improving relationships.
Many clients understand the need for self-care intellectually, yet when faced with the idea of prioritizing themselves, guilt and a feeling of selfishness immobilize them.
Read at Psychology Today
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