Do you believe someone can not fully love another until they learn how to love themselves?

In my experience, the women who I have dated, who have had poor self image, have always revert back to thier normal emotional state after the “newness” of the relationship has worn off. When they were not happy with themselves, it was difficult to be happy with others... actually became one of my early warning signs....

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Lochlee · 51-55, F

There is something in what you are saying. I think it applies to both sexes. Deep seated feelings of "not being good enough" do surface in various ways later in relationships when the "newness" - as you call it - wears off (which it inevitably does). The question is, what do you do about it, because most people have some level of self doubt.

Tryingtofindabalance · 36-40, M

@Lochlee as discussed with others, there is a big difference in accepting support and rejecting it... those who accept will tend to have healthy relationships, those who reject will tend to have hardships... let me tell you it’s an empty feeling when the person you love, won’t accept the help you are trying to give them.😔

Lochlee · 51-55, F

@Tryingtofindabalance That is true.

dystopianAntihero · 56-60, M

@Lochlee It's def not limited to women. I think women may be somewhat more predisposed however, as a result of patriarchal culture which views women, as subordinate and inferior, even this day and age, unfortunately

That said, men can be needy and codependent, as well, and I've dealt with codepency issues myself, and the destructive relationships I've been apart of, not just romantically, but family relationship, as well, have certainly had an impact on me

And it's def beyond the type of self doubt the average person experiences

Tryingtofindabalance · 36-40, M

@dystopianAntihero ohh for sure, my experience has been with women, so I can only speak from experience, but women and men are no difference in this regard... unhappy is unhappy no mater the gender, race, or religion

Lochlee · 51-55, F

@dystopianAntihero I hear you, yes - being in a culture where you are often the "object" - with your identity dependent on external validation may predispose women. Good point.