How to Fall in Love with Yourself & What Happens When You Do

by Susie on April 1, 2025

Posted in Emotional Well-Being, Mental Health and Self-Care, Perspective and Growth

Falling in Love With Yourself Isn’t a One-Time Thing

Falling in love with yourself is not a one-time event. It’s not a grand, cinematic moment where you look in the mirror and suddenly feel enough. Real self-love is based on the ongoing relationship you have with yourself. Like any relationship, the one you have with yourself also requires time, patience, and a whole lot of emotional healing and unlearning. It’s messy, raw, and sometimes it feels like everything is in the way of you and the love you could have for yourself. Read more for some perspective on how to fall in love with yourself.

What It Really Means to Love Yourself

If you don’t already, getting to the point of loving yourself and experiencing radical self-acceptance takes work. It’s not about fixing every perceived flaws, it’s not about being happy all the time. Loving and accepting yourself about knowing – regardless of circumstance – that you are enough, just as you are. Someone who loves and accepts themselves, treats themselves the same kindness, patience, and admiration that is usually reserved for everyone else.

Falling in love with yourself means:

Speaking to yourself with compassion– Quit judging yourself so harshly, no more name-calling and indulging in self-loathing. You are a human being who deserves to be spoken to with respect.
Honoring your emotional and physical needs – Rest when you’re tired, set boundaries without the guilt, and listen to your body. Choose to nourish your body and praise it for all of the wonderful things it does for you, your body has been with you since the beginning and it has gotten you this far.
Not abandoning yourself – You are your own strongest advocate – be there for yourself. Even on the bad days. Even when you mess up. Even when you don’t feel lovable.
Accepting all of you – Not just the shiny, presentable parts—the messy, insecure, still-healing parts too.

What Practicing Self-Love and Daily Self-Care Looks Like

Self-Love really does take practice. When you are used to treating yourself well, be ready for shifts in your experience, including:

You Don’t Settle – When you are accustomed to treating yourself well – you’ll be less likely to tolerate poor treatment from others.

You Prioritize Your Boundaries – Saying no becomes an act of self-respect, not selfishness.

You Listen to Your Body – You rest without shame, you go to the bathroom when you need to, you ensure that you’re drinking enough water. When you move your body, it’s for joy, not punishment.

You Speak to Yourself kindly – Your inner dialogue becomes softer and more encouraging. In the mind of someone who loves themselves, you’ll hear more understanding, kind words than judgement.

You Show Up as Your Authentic Self – When you love and accept yourself, you won’t feel the need to change who you are just because of someone else’s opinion. When you love and accept yourself, you know that you are enough.

You give Yourself Grace – You are human, and you allow yourself to be human. You forgive your past self for what you didn’t know.

Self-Love and Relationships

When you love yourself, your emotional boundaries shift. Here’s how:

You stop chasing people who aren’t aligned with your – You don’t need to repeat yourself, you can stop over-explaining, over-giving and over-apologizing. Stop saying sorry when you don’t need to!
You become a better friend and partner – Having a strong relationship and love for yourself allows you to act from a place of fullness, not lack.
You take things less personally – Other people are not responsible for how you feel about yourself.
You attract healthier connections – When you’re authentic, you attract those who align with you you are.

The Benefits of Self-Love

You Take More Risks – You’re more concerned with achieving your goals, rather than the fear of failing.
You Pursue Your Desires – You stop waiting for permission – you do what you need to do, for you.
You Stop Performing – You don’t need to be perfect to love yourself, in fact – it’s your authenticity that makes you magnetic. Who you are authentically, is way more interesting than any ‘perfect version’ you could pretend to be.
You Feel More Joy – When you stop fighting with yourself, you create space for peace and happiness.

Start the Journey to Self-Love and Emotional Healing Today

Falling in love with yourself isn’t a destination – it’s a lifelong practice. Some days will be easier than others, but every small step counts.

Offer yourself kindness.

Question beliefs that tell you you’re not enough.

Treat yourself with the love you wish to receive from the world.

Because you are worthy. You – as you are, right now.

Resources If you’d like to learn more about self-love and building your self-esteem, check out these links:

Subscribe for More Emotional Wellness Insights Get heartfelt tools and guidance on emotional healing, self-worth, and personal growth delivered straight to your inbox.