"I do not trust people who don't love themselves"

When you hear someone say they can't trust people who don't love themselves, they're getting at a pretty simple truth. If you don't care for yourself, how can anyone expect you to truly care for others? It's like trying to pour water from an empty cup—impossible, right?

The idea here is that self-love isn't just about feeling good about yourself. It's about understanding your worth and treating yourself with the same respect and kindness you would give a friend. When you don't have that, it can lead to all sorts of problems, like insecurity and resentment, which can poison relationships.

Think back to the 1970s and 1980s, when self-help culture was booming. This quote taps into the same vein as the famous phrase, "You can't love someone else until you love yourself." It's a reminder that personal well-being is foundational to building healthy connections with others.

Let's look at a real-life example. Take Jane, a manager at a mid-sized company. She's fantastic at her job, always putting in extra hours to make sure everything runs smoothly. But Jane doesn't take time for herself. She skips meals, never exercises, and constantly criticizes herself. Over time, her team starts noticing her irritability and exhaustion. They lose trust in her because she seems so unstable. If Jane took even an hour a day for self-care—maybe a quick walk or a healthy lunch—she'd be in a better state to lead and support her team.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start small. Prioritize your well-being by setting aside time for activities that make you feel good—whether it's reading a book, going for a jog, or just taking a few deep breaths. When you treat yourself kindly, you set a standard for how you want others to treat you. It's not selfish; it's necessary.

Imagine this scenario: You're on a plane, and the flight attendant goes through the safety instructions. They always say to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others. This isn't because they want you to ignore those around you. It's because you can't help anyone if you're not breathing yourself. The same goes for self-love. By taking care of your own needs first, you ensure you're in the best position to support the people you care about.

Think about a time when you felt completely drained but someone needed your help. Maybe a friend called you in the middle of the night in crisis, but you hadn't slept in 24 hours. Your ability to help was probably limited, right? Now, imagine you had been well-rested and taken care of. Your response would have been more effective, more compassionate.

So, next time you start feeling guilty about taking time for yourself, remember: self-love is the foundation of trust and healthy relationships. It's not just about you; it's about everyone you interact with. Treat yourself well, and you'll be better equipped to treat others well too.