How to fix self-esteem issues in your relationship: Expert offers tips

Self-esteem can be described as the opinion you have of yourself. Low self-esteem can affect both your romantic relationships and your self-image. It’s possible that you feel like you don’t deserve love, or that you’re terribly afraid of being abandoned. Although low self-esteem is easy to describe, some people find it difficult to understand. Ashamed of who you are and deep-rooted guilt about your identity. Their feeling is “different” and fundamentally and irreparably flawed or damaged. You don’t love yourself and although you may never say it out loud, you secretly wish you were someone else. Relationship satisfaction, trust, and conflict can all be negatively impacted by low self-esteem. (Also read: 5 reasons for endless fights in a relationship )

“Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to leave your relationship to work on yourself. Of course I say “if you want” because if you genuinely believe that this person is good for you and will support you, then I totally understand why you might not want to walk away and their support for you might even be paramount However, I also understand the other side. Sometimes we get so caught up in our relationships that we can’t even think of ourselves. So sometimes we go away so we can have time and space to ourselves.

Finding who we are and potentially changing our world in the process can be both frightening and exciting at the same time. Whichever you choose, these tips can really be applied to both scenarios. And remember again that with all major and transformative changes in our lives, it takes time. And lots of practice. But it can be done for someone who has been there before,” therapist Amna Amjad says in her recent Instagram post. She also suggested ways you can improve your self-esteem in your relationship.

• Avoid constantly seeking approval – find self-acceptance and learn to trust yourself.

• Tell yourself it’s okay to ask for help from loved ones and don’t be self-critical.

Stop expecting perfection. Both in yourself and in others around you. Practice compassion for yourself and others.

• Accept the compliments you receive and work on believing them.

• Learn together what healthy conflict looks like so you don’t fear confrontation and know how to deal with it.

• Don’t just focus on weaknesses/improvements, learn what your strengths are and what you bring to the space.

• Acknowledge your accomplishments and compliment yourself.

• Let go of unhealthy assumptions – become comfortable with being vulnerable and learn to communicate your concerns with your partner/loved one when necessary.

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