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Self compassion helps to crate an environment where we feel other people and connect ourselves with them. It is related with a wide variety of close interpersonal relationship benefits. These connections may be intricate and reciprocal, meaning that self-compassion fosters relational and emotional well-being while positive social relationships foster self-compassion.
People who have higher levels of self-compassion may have a reciprocal relationship in which they are better able to adjust to the dynamics of the family. These studies almost universally employed cross-sectional designs and self-report measures in place of observed behaviours. Good coping skills, less stress and load, and supportive parenting are associated with high levels of self-compassion in parents. Seeing their child’s behavioural issues more positively may also be facilitated by parental self-compassion. Better levels of self-compassion in children are consequently associated with supportive parenting. (Lathren et al., 2021). It’s possible that developing self-compassion skills will result in more fulfilling and positive relationships. It’s possible that those who are self-compassionate have a higher chance of forming satisfying relationships. It’s also possible that people in healthy relationships encourage self-compassion in one another. (Jacobson et al., 2018)
For me, practicing self-compassion began with the small but effective act of treating myself with kindness. Rather than giving in to self-criticism when faced with setbacks or stressful situations, I started treating myself with the same compassion and understanding that I would give to a close friend. This change not only calmed my inner turmoil but also surprised me by opening my heart in unexpected ways. To put it simply, practicing self-compassion changed the way I relate to the outside world. I became a better partner, friend, and family member as a result. I was able to build deeper, more genuine connections with people by taking care of myself so that I could give the same compassion and understanding to others.
References:
Jacobson, E. H. K., Wilson, K. G., Kurz, A. S., & Kellum, K. K. (2018). Examining self-compassion in romantic relationships. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 8, 69-73.
Lathren, C. R., Rao, S. S., Park, J., & Bluth, K. (2021). Self-compassion and current close interpersonal relationships: A scoping literature review. Mindfulness, 12, 1078-1093.
I wholeheartedly agree with your insights on how self-compassion improves interpersonal relationships. Facing academic and work pressures and my daughter’s challenging behaviors, I use brief mindfulness practices to regulate my emotions. This not only alleviates my distress but also provides space to devise solutions.
For instance, recognizing my daughter’s frequent crying as unmet needs, I realized that indiscriminately fulfilling her demands could reinforce her behavior. Instead of feeling guilty or venting to my husband, I approached the situation more calmly. Stepping back, I reassessed our interactions, fostering a healthier family dynamic and a more peaceful atmosphere.
This practice of self-compassion has not only enhanced my emotional management but has also significantly improved my family relationships, affirming the benefits discussed in your article.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and insightful perspective on self-compassion! Your journey of treating yourself with kindness and understanding resonates deeply with me. I love how something as simple as self-compassion can positively impact our relationships and well-being. Your experience shows how self-compassion helps create deeper, more genuine connections with others. It’s a great reminder that when we take care of ourselves, we can be better partners, friends, and family members.
From your post, I understand that people with high levels of self-compassion have better social integration skills for example, in adjusting to family dynamics. I also understand that positive relationships not only with the outside world but also with ourselves, foster self-compassion. You also mention the role of parenting in cultivating self-compassion in children which is very important to note as it brings to light the role of parents in teaching compassion. According to your post and personal experience, one can encourage others to embrace self-compassion by taking care of themselves and having healthy relationships with people. I have also learnt that avoiding giving in to self-criticism when I face setbacks may open me up to other realisations and change my perception of the situation.
I enjoyed learning about how you are all noticing how self-compassion can enhance our relationships and lead to healthy interactions with others, especially family members who we spend so much time with. I wish I knew these skills when my children were younger; I know I would have been a better mother 🙂