Accepting Love

Most of us are better at giving love than accepting it. When fear of hurt or rejection, internalized self-criticism, and other traumas prevent us from feeling worthy of love, we may shut out those who wish to support and connect with us. Close relationships are formed through reciprocity of openness and vulnerability, and being unable to take compliments and other offerings of affection can be read as a sign of distrust or distance. A variety of methods can encourage self-discovery and self-care to make us more willing and able to be vulnerable to those we care about. Learning to accept love can open the door to true intimacy and a deeply connected relationship.