Give yourself what you need when you see that you need it—whether it’s attention, connection, or affection. Spend a day treating yourself to something if you feel like you need attention. Go for a walk in the outdoors or write in a journal if you need intimacy. Consider the things you love about yourself or treat yourself to a movie and dinner if you feel like you need affection. Your relationships will be stronger if you can better meet your own emotional needs since you’ll be able to communicate with your partner and know and understand who you are. Avoid evaluating yourself against other women. It’s wonderful to have a female role model to aspire to. While some level of envy is normal, films and ads in western society often reinforce female jealousy by showcasing unattainable ideals. Define your boundaries clearly. Establish unambiguous limits that put your personal needs first. Establish boundaries, for instance, about the amount of time you spend with someone and the kinds of criticism you will not accept. Make sure your life is filled with activities that don’t revolve around a love relationship, such as friends, family, job, education, or exercise.
