Aristotle, Greek philosopher: “The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself”
We’ve all heard the benefits of having friends but there is one that will be with you for the long haul, and it is your most important relationship.
We are constantly hearing about new studies praising the benefits of having friends. They not only provide emotional support and psychological wellbeing, but they have also been found to be a key factor in living longer.
While the sweet spot for the right number of close friends is between three and six, according to British anthropologist and evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar the average person’s most intimate social circle consists of 1.5 people. Women have two and men one, which is typically their romantic partner.
However, in those numbers we are overlooking perhaps the most important relationship we have that will last us a lifetime, that with yourself, and which we should nourish. This is not about narcissism, which can have both positive and negative components, but about self-love.
Like having other friends, it can also bring wide-ranging benefits that benefits not just yourself but those around you too. Something that has been known for millennia.
Ancient wisdom on self-love still rings true
More than two thousand years ago, Aristotle walked the Earth and enlightened those around him, who spread his teachings to others. The student of Plato and tutor to Alexander the Great is considered one of the most influential philosophers of all time, and has been called the ‘Father of Western Philosophy’.
And rightly so, as his teachings have survived to this day, and still ring true. Take for example: “The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself. The most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery. To know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, you must not be afraid to be alone. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
By developing a healthy relationship with yourself, you can be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Once you’ve identified the latter, you can work to improve yourself.
Likewise, you may find you will be more tolerant of people pointing out your shortcomings through having a stronger self-image and self-worth. This is achieved by cultivating a positive but honest inner voice.
You will also be better prepared to weather emotional pain and get back on your feet faster. You will also be able to set up healthy boundaries and be quicker to realize when a person or a situation is toxic and it’s time to move on, saving yourself, and those who are really there for you, unnecessary pain.
Finally, this will all have a cumulative beneficial effect on your health. Not only will you feel less stress and more happiness, but you will also be more likely to take better care of physical health. This means that you’ll be a more pleasant person to be around, and with good luck for longer.
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