"L'amitié avec soi-même est essentielle car sans elle on ne peut être ami avec personne d'autre dans le monde"

Being friends with yourself is essential. Why? Because if you don’t have a good relationship with yourself, it's hard to have genuine relationships with others. Think about it: How can you truly connect with someone else if you don’t even know or like who you are?

Historically, this idea isn’t new. Philosophers and thinkers, from Aristotle to modern-day psychologists, have emphasized the importance of self-awareness and self-love. The quote reflects this timeless wisdom. It’s about understanding and accepting yourself first. If you don’t, every other relationship you have is built on shaky ground.

Let’s bring it to life with a real-world example. Take Jane, for instance. She’s always been a people pleaser, constantly seeking validation from others. She’s got a lot of friends—at least, that’s what it looks like from the outside. But deep down, she feels empty. Why? Because she’s neglected her relationship with herself. Jane doesn’t know what she truly likes or dislikes, her own values, or her core desires. This gap makes her relationships superficial. She’s always trying to be what others want her to be, which is exhausting and unsustainable.

Now, imagine if Jane took time to understand herself better. She starts journaling, reflecting on her experiences, and even seeks therapy to explore her innermost thoughts. Over time, Jane begins to appreciate who she is, flaws and all. She becomes her own best friend. This newfound self-awareness and self-acceptance change the dynamics of her friendships. She no longer feels the need to conform to others' expectations. Her relationships become more genuine, as she can now offer her true self to others.

So, how can you apply this in your life? Start by carving out 'me time.' This could be as simple as taking a walk alone, meditating, or just sitting with your thoughts. Reflect on your day-to-day experiences and ask yourself: What did I enjoy? What didn’t I like? Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns and understanding what makes you tick.

You might also want to try journaling. It’s a great way to have a conversation with yourself. Write about your day, your thoughts, your feelings. Don’t judge—just write. Over time, you’ll get to know yourself better and develop a deeper appreciation for who you are.

Another tip: Practice self-compassion. Treat yourself as you would a good friend. If you mess up, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, be kind to yourself. Understand that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s part of being human.

Let’s imagine a scenario. Think of a young woman named Sarah. She’s an introvert who loves painting but works in a high-pressure corporate job because she thinks it’s what she’s 'supposed' to do. She’s always stressed, and her friendships feel transactional. One day, she decides to reconnect with herself. She starts painting again, just for fun. It’s like a breath of fresh air. Gradually, Sarah realizes she needs a change. She switches to a less demanding job that gives her time to paint. As she becomes more content, her friendships blossom too. She’s more present, more authentic, and her friends appreciate the real Sarah.

In essence, being friends with yourself is the foundation for all your other relationships. If you love and understand yourself, you bring your best self to your friendships. And that’s priceless.