“Marrying the one they love is every girl’s dream,” a cliché we often hear. But is it true? Well, I have recently discovered that loving yourself is the most amazing thing that could ever happen to you.
Growing up, I watched Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and all of these fairy tales telling us to do everything for true love. I wanted to marry my own “Prince Charming”, and I was sure I would in due time. But life brought me somewhere that I never thought would be equally fulfilling– loving me.
I started dating when I was 15 years old, and it was awesome. My then boyfriend loved me and spoiled me a lot. He was equally sweet and handsome, caring, loyal– he seemed perfect, but I broke up with him because I was young, and I got bored. I started switching from one guy to another because I was looking for my “flawless lifetime partner”, but playful as it is, life turned my world upside down and led me to abusive men.
I received some punches and slaps a couple of times, but more than that– I was emotionally abused every single time. My feelings were being played, and I was being toyed around. I was in a relationship for almost four years, and I was not happy anymore. I felt trapped, when in fact, love should be both freeing and understanding.
One day, I woke up and decided I had enough of my boyfriend, and even my family pressuring me to marry– I chose to love myself. I started going out alone, wearing my skimpy shorts, applying makeup, buying things I wanted but postponed because I put someone else’s needs before mine, and just doing everything I missed because I did not love myself enough.
I treated myself to some massages and spas, started walking, so I can exercise, ate healthier food, and took care of myself. Furthermore, I also ignored people’s irrelevant opinions, unfollowed “friends” who hated me or posted things that aggravate me, and stopped listening to relatives who can’t shut their big mouths and say disgusting comments about me or someone else.
I have never felt so emancipated, and before I knew it– I fell in love with myself, and there is no stopping or looking back. Loving yourself is beyond addicting. You will start glowing from the inside out, and people will notice. Once you reach this point in life, there is no turning back. Some people will shun you for loving yourself; I say, “If you can’t handle me, then leave. Or should I?” No more compromises, no more putting your needs before mine. I love me!
Written by Jannara Mia
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