Love Without Losing Themselves

How can we love without losing ourselves?

In the journey of love, women often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between giving to others and maintaining a sense of self. “Love Without Losing Themselves” delves into the vital concept that self-love is not just a luxury, but a necessity before embarking on any romantic relationship.

Research supports this, with Harmony’s research indicating that 60% of people aged 25-34 reported feeling they had to sacrifice parts of their identity or interests to make their relationship work. Similarly, according to Relate, 45% of young adults aged 18-24 felt they lost touch with their personal goals and identity while in a relationship.

For many women, societal expectations and cultural norms can pressure them into prioritizing the needs and desires of their partners over their own. However, the foundation of any healthy relationship begins with self-respect and self-care. This topic explores how cultivating self-love can empower women to set boundaries, communicate your needs effectively, and ensure that your sense of identity remains intact while you give and receive love. Dr. Wiyatta Fahnbulleh, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles, explains that we often get caught up in the idea of “You complete me”, when in reality; you are already a complete individual with your own characteristics, ideas, thoughts, and life experiences. Your partner should add positively to your already great life, not fill a void.

By fostering a strong relationship with oneself, women become more resilient, confident, and capable of experiencing deeper, more fulfilling connections with others. This journey of self-discovery and self-appreciation is essential, as it will allow you as a woman to love wholeheartedly without compromising your individuality.

Here are some of the questions to keep in mind while following this reading journey:

Have you ever felt like you lost yourself in a relationship? How did it affect you?
What boundaries do you think are essential to maintain your sense of self?
How can you support a friend who seems to be losing herself in her relationship?

Therefore, the objective of the “Love Without Losing Themselves” pillar is to empower women to maintain their sense of self while engaging in romantic relationships. By focusing on self-love, setting boundaries, and effective communication, the pillar aims to help women understand and navigate the pressures of societal and cultural expectations that often lead to self-sacrifice in relationships.

Through reading and discussing ‘I Wish I Knew This Earlier: Lessons on Love’ by Toni Tone, our readers will explore practical advice and insights to cultivate resilience, confidence, and deeper connections without compromising their individuality. With this part of our readng journey we want to encourage self-discovery and appreciation and ensure that women can love wholeheartedly while preserving their unique identities.

We hope you all read along for this pillar and look forward to meeting you online and in-person (MAD & NYC) to discuss all the details!

True love is not about losing yourself in someone else but finding joy and fulfillment in the shared journey.

Toni Tone Author

Currently reading

"I Wish I Knew This Earlier: Lessons on Love" by Toni Tone

Reading period: August 1 – October 31 2024

This book is here to give you big sister advice we all need: discovering what we want from a connection, flourishing through heartbreak, and learning the vital importance of difficult conversations for growth and self-respect.

Speaking from a place of experience and empathy, she talks through the value of intuition, asking questions, and taking responsibility for the choices we make, offering practical, simple advice to improve any relationship, and insight into our own behaviours.

From comfort zones and goal setting to healthy boundaries and keeping yourself centered, this book will offer the loving, healing and authentic common sense lessons that aren’t so common.It may just change your life.

Goodreads

★★★★★ 4/5