"نمیتوانی فقط آنجا بنشینی و زندگی همه را به زندگی خودت ترجیح دهی و فکر کنی این عشق محسوب می‌شود"

Love isn't about sacrificing yourself to the point where you disappear. It's about balance. It's like this: you're on an airplane, and they always say to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others. Why? Because if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to help anyone else effectively. The core idea is that real love involves taking care of yourself, too—because if you're not okay, your ability to love and support others diminishes.

This thought often comes up in conversations around self-care and boundaries. Historically, it can be linked to the idea that self-sacrifice has been overly romanticized. Think about those old movies or stories where the hero gives up everything for love. That's sweet and all, but in real life, constantly putting yourself last can lead to burnout, resentment, and even mental health issues. It's not sustainable.

Now, let's get practical. Imagine you're a parent—working hard, taking care of the kids, managing the house, and maybe even holding down a job. You pour all your energy into making sure everyone else is okay, but you never take a moment for yourself. Over time, you start feeling exhausted, maybe even a bit resentful. You snap at your kids over small things, and your relationship with your partner gets strained. In this scenario, your constant self-sacrifice isn't doing anyone any favors. Instead, it's creating a stressful environment.

So, what can you do? Make time for yourself. It doesn't have to be huge. Maybe it's a 10-minute walk in the morning or a quiet cup of coffee before everyone else wakes up. Think about what energizes you and find ways to incorporate that into your life regularly. By taking care of your own needs, you’re better equipped to care for others.

Here's a story to bring it home. Picture Sarah. She’s a nurse, a demanding job, and she’s also a mom of two. She used to think the best way to show her love was to always be there for her kids and patients, no matter how tired she felt. But she was running on empty. One day, her friend Jane noticed how worn out Sarah looked and suggested she take a little time for herself. Sarah was reluctant—she felt guilty even thinking about it. But one Saturday, she decided to go to a yoga class while her husband watched the kids. She felt rejuvenated. That one hour gave her the energy to be more present with her kids and more attentive at work. She started making it a regular thing—sometimes yoga, sometimes a book at a café. Her relationships improved, and she felt happier.

Sarah’s experience shows the importance of self-care in a tangible way. It’s like a ripple effect. When you’re in a good place, it positively impacts those around you. So, the next time you’re tempted to push your own needs aside—for the sake of love—remember: you're part of the equation too. And love, real love, means making sure you're okay, so you can be there for others.