Discover why self-love wasn't taught to us and practical steps to develop this essential skill. Learn how embracing yourself creates ripple effects in your mental health and relationships.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

**Nia:** Hey everyone! Welcome to today's episode. I'm Nia, and I'm here with my friend Blythe. Today we're talking about something that might sound simple but is actually pretty challenging for many of us—loving ourselves.
**Blythe:** Absolutely, Nia. And what's fascinating is that while we hear about self-love all the time, most of us were never actually taught HOW to love ourselves. We were taught reading, writing, how to be polite... but self-love? That crucial skill somehow got left off the curriculum.
**Nia:** Right? It's like this massive blind spot in our upbringing. And I was reading that self-love isn't just some fluffy concept—it's actually backed by science. Studies show it reduces anxiety, depression, and even helps us make better health decisions.
**Blythe:** That's exactly it. And you know what's really interesting? Many people think self-love is selfish, but it's actually the opposite. It's like that airplane oxygen mask analogy—you have to secure your own before helping others.
**Nia:** I love that perspective. And I think what makes this journey so challenging for many people is that when you start practicing self-love, you sometimes become what one source called a "social heretic." You stop fitting in with the misery-loves-company crowd.
**Blythe:** That's such a powerful observation. Learning to love yourself is actually quite revolutionary in a society that profits from your self-doubt. Let's explore what self-love really means and the practical steps anyone can take to start this transformative journey today.