Key points

Some people don't realize they're in a relationship with themselves.

Self-care requires first knowing what the self is: the psyche, not the body or possessions.

Neglecting yourself undermines other relationships by preventing love from reaching or flowing from you.

I ask every new patient a question early in treatment: "What is the most important relationship you have?"

The answers vary. Many say their child. Others name their spouse or partner. Some say God. All of these relationships matter profoundly, and I don't minimize their significance. But I always challenge the answer, because I believe the most important relationship each of us has is with ourselves.

Most people don't think of it that way. They don't conceptualize themselves as being in a relationship with thems

See Full Page