The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared loneliness a “global health threat”. They have started new programs to help establish social connection as a global health priority.
Arielle Teets
Healthy relationships are important for our wellbeing. We need secure bonds with people who we trust and can rely on. Romantic or nonromantic these are of the utmost importance. Feeling loved unconditionally, being treated well, and communicating properly are signs of a healthy connection. Some people find it difficult to sit with these feelings. They push that person away whenever there is an opportunity. Sometimes people can sabotage a relationship that could be good for them. Self-sabotage does not discriminate and is very common across the age and gender spectrum. Running away from relationships that are good for you is not the only option. Self-sabotage is a solution that is harmful to one's self.
Making a choice for oneself doesn’t always only effect the person who makes it. But making a choice for oneself should be from a place of prioritizing yourself, not others feelings. You are not wrong for putting yourself first. You are not selfish for putting yourself first. You are providing for yourself the bare minimum. You are the sole person responsible for putting you first.
When is the last time you asked yourself that question. In our society, we are so often oriented towards the grade given from others, the approval or disapproval given from others, and the desire to curb loneliness. We seek reprieve from our own self critique. The cliché of being ones own harshest critic is a cliché for a reason.
