Understanding Self-Hate: Roots and Effects Explained
Intro
Self-hate is a complex emotional state that affects many individuals in profound ways. It often emerges from a combination of psychological factors and societal influences. This phenomenon can severely impair mental health, leading to issues such as depression and anxiety. Understanding its roots and effects is essential for developing healthier self-perceptions.
The exploration of self-hate requires a look into its origins, which often include early life experiences, family dynamics, and cultural expectations. These elements shape how individuals perceive themselves and their worth. Through analyzing these aspects, one can gain insight into their own self-hatred and the forces that perpetuate it.
Recognizing the manifestations of self-hate is the first step toward overcoming it. Individuals may experience feelings of inadequacy, engage in negative self-talk, or avoid situations that challenge their self-image. Addressing these behaviors with informed strategies can lead to significant improvements in emotional well-being.
In this article, we will also explore guided meditation as a useful tool in combating self-hate. Specifically, breathing techniques and visualization practices can offer a pathway to develop mindfulness and self-acceptance. Ultimately, promoting a deeper understanding of self-hate will enable individuals to navigate their emotional landscapes and foster a more positive self-view.
Guided Meditation Techniques
Breathing Techniques
One effective way to combat self-hate is through guided meditation, starting with breathing techniques. This practice involves focusing on one's breath to ground oneself in the present moment. By practicing deep, intentional breaths, individuals can alleviate feelings of anxiety and cultivate mindfulness. Here are a few key steps to utilize breathing techniques:
- Find a quiet space to sit comfortably.
- Hold the breath for a count of four.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
- Repeat this cycle for several minutes, allowing your mind to settle.
By Pay attention to the sensations in your body, you may start to release some of the harmful tensions created by self-hate.
Visualization Practices
Visualization is another powerful meditation practice that can assist in overcoming self-hate. This technique allows individuals to create positive mental images that can alter negative beliefs. Here are some guidelines for effective visualization:
- First, relax your body through deep breathing.
- Visualize a safe and calming place, such as a beach or a peaceful forest.
- Imagine experiencing this environment through all your senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.
- Picture yourself feeling confident and at peace within this space, free from self-judgment.
- Spend several minutes reinforcing this imagery, allowing it to become a mental refuge.
These practices can foster a greater sense of self-worth and contribute to an overall improvement in mental health.
Benefits of Guided Meditation
Enhancing Mindfulness
Guided meditation improves self-awareness and helps one become more present. Mindfulness, as a practice, encourages individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This process promotes emotional regulation and prevents spirals of self-criticism.
Alleviating Anxiety
People often experience anxiety alongside self-hate. Guided meditation serves as a strategic tool for alleviating these feelings. By cultivating a sense of calm through meditation, individuals may see improvements in overall mental health. Regular practice can help minimize the significance of self-critical thoughts, replacing them with more positive reflections.
Meditation doesn’t eliminate the thoughts but changes your relationship with those thoughts.
In summary, understanding self-hate enables one to recognize its roots and impacts. By employing guided meditation techniques alongside strategies for self-acceptance, individuals can embark on a healing journey. A commitment to this process can lead to enhanced self-esteem and improve mental health overall.
Defining Self-Hate
Understanding self-hate is crucial for comprehending the complex emotional landscape many individuals navigate. This section aims to establish a clear definition that sets the foundation for further exploration of the topic. Self-hate can significantly affect mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Recognizing and defining it accurately is the first step toward addressing its detrimental effects. In this sense, self-hate encompasses a range of negative perceptions and feelings about oneself that can lead to profound dissatisfaction and inner turmoil.
Conceptual Framework
Self-hate typically manifests through deep-set feelings of inadequacy, failure, and a pervasive sense of unworthiness. The emotional turmoil associated with self-hate is often multi-faceted. It can be influenced by various psychological, cultural, and social factors. To build a conceptual framework, we reference both individual and societal perspectives. On an individual level, self-hate may arise from negative self-talk or a harsh inner critic, often cultivated by external validation or lack of it from family, peers, or societal norms.
From a broader perspective, cultural factors significantly shape the way individuals perceive themselves. Media representations and cultural expectations can impose unrealistic standards that individuals may strive for, only to feel inadequate when they fall short. This relationship between societal influences and personal perceptions is critical for understanding the root causes of self-hate and how they interconnect.
Differentiating Self-Dislike from Self-Hate
While self-hate and self-dislike may seem similar at first glance, it is important to draw a distinction between the two. Self-dislike involves critical thoughts or feelings about specific aspects of oneself. For example, an individual might dislike their skills in a certain area or feel uncomfortable with their physical appearance.
In contrast, self-hate is more profound and pervasive. It embodies a comprehensive sense of worthlessness that often affects multiple areas of life. Someone experiencing self-hate may not just dislike their skills but fundamentally question their right to exist or deserve happiness.
Here are some key differences:
- Self-Dislike:
- Self-Hate:
- Targeted feelings toward specific traits or behaviors.
- Can be temporary and situational.
- Often accompanied by the ability to still appreciate personal strengths.
- A global and enduring perception of oneself as unworthy.
- Tends to be persistent and pervasive across various life domains.
- Often leads to a lack of self-compassion and understanding.
Recognizing this difference is essential for individuals seeking to heal and move toward self-acceptance. Identifying whether one struggles with self-hate or self-dislike can inform the coping strategies necessary for recovery.
The clarity in understanding self-hate versus self-dislike establishes a roadmap for addressing underlying issues, paving the way for healing and growth.
Psychological Underpinnings
Understanding the psychological underpinnings of self-hate is vital. This section explores key elements that contribute to the development of self-hatred. Recognizing these psychological factors can aid individuals in addressing and overcoming these feelings. Understanding how our minds develop these negative perceptions of self is essential for personal enlightenment and growth.
Influence of Childhood Experiences
Childhood experiences play a significant role in shaping our self-perception. Many psychological theories argue that early relationships, particularly with caregivers, establish the foundation for self-esteem later in life. Factors such as neglect, excessive criticism, or lack of support can lead children to internalize negative messages about themselves.
An environment that fosters conditional love can create an atmosphere of self-hate. For instance, if a child feels that love is only given in response to achievement, they may develop feelings of inadequacy during failures.
Key points to consider:
- Negative childhood experiences can lead to low self-worth.
- The need for unconditional love during formative years is crucial.
- Reflecting on childhood can uncover deep-seated triggers of self-hate.
Role of Cognitive Distortions
Cognitive distortions are flawed patterns of thinking that reinforce negative self-beliefs. Individuals may engage in all-or-nothing thinking, viewing themselves as either perfect or a complete failure. This binary perspective can exacerbate feelings of self-hate and create a cycle of negativity.
Examples of cognitive distortions that contribute to self-hate include:
- Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst-case scenario.
- Labeling: Applying negative labels to oneself based on mistakes.
- Emotional reasoning: Assuming that negative feelings reflect reality.
To break the chain of self-hate, it is essential to recognize these distortions. Practicing skills in cognitive restructuring can help individuals observe their thought patterns and challenge inaccuracies in beliefs about themselves.
The Link between Self-Hate and Trauma
Trauma can profoundly impact an individual's sense of self-worth. Survivors of trauma—be it emotional, sexual, or physical—often struggle with feelings of shame and guilt. This emotional burden leads to a diminished self-concept, reinforcing self-hate. Often, victims feel they are somehow responsible for what happened, leading to internalized anger and self-recrimination.
"Self-hate often becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma, where individuals may find themselves subconsciously punishing themselves for events beyond their control."
Understanding this link allows for more effective healing strategies. Therapeutic engagements such as trauma-informed therapy can help individuals process their experiences and learn to separate their identity from traumatic events. Addressing trauma in connection to self-hate is crucial for recovery and self-acceptance.
Cultural and Societal Influences
Understanding self-hate requires consideration of the cultural and societal influences that shape individual perspectives and emotional experiences. These influences can significantly impact how one perceives themselves and can either intensify or alleviate feelings of self-hatred.
Cultural narratives often dictate what is considered desirable or acceptable. They establish standards that many feel pressured to meet, leading to a profound sense of inadequacy in those who struggle to conform. Societal expectations amplify this pressure, as individuals navigate a landscape filled with comparisons to others, often portrayed as more successful or attractive. This section delves into two pivotal aspects: the influence of media representation and the reinforcement of cultural norms and expectations.
Media Representation and Its Impact
Media representation plays a critical role in shaping societal attitudes toward self-worth. Films, television shows, and social media portray ideals that are often unattainable. These platforms frequently highlight physical beauty, financial success, and other superficial markers of worth that can lead individuals to internalize negative beliefs about themselves.
For many, exposure to perfect images and lifestyles can create dissatisfaction with their own lives and bodies. This can trigger a cycle of self-hate, where individuals feel persistent disappointment and anger towards themselves for not measuring up. Research indicates that frequent consumption of curated online images can lead to feelings of inadequacy, especially among young people who are still developing their self-identity.
The impact of media on self-perception is substantial and cannot be understated.
"We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us."
— Marshall McLuhan
Cultural Norms and Expectations
Cultural norms dictate behaviors, values, and beliefs, often setting the stage for self-perception. Certain cultures emphasize collectivism and communal achievements, while others prioritize individualism and personal accomplishments. These differing values can influence how self-hate manifests in people’s lives. For instance, in cultures that value family harmony, a failure to meet expectations may lead to significant feelings of shame and self-hate.
Moreover, societal taboos surrounding mental health can prevent open conversations about self-hate. In environments where vulnerability is seen as weakness, individuals may suffer in silence, unable to reach out or seek help. THE pressure to conform to societal standards often creates an environment less conducive to empathy and understanding. This isolation can perpetuate feelings of self-hate, making it critical to foster healthier cultural dialogues around self-acceptance.
In summary, cultural and societal influences are deeply intertwined with the development of self-hate. Recognizing their impact is essential for understanding how individuals navigate their self-worth in a complex world.
Recognizing Signs of Self-Hate
Recognizing self-hate is crucial for anyone looking to improve their mental health and well-being. Acknowledging these signs is the first step towards understanding the negative feelings individuals might harbor against themselves. This awareness is not just important for those affected; it serves as a contextual foundation for friends, family, and professionals aiming to support someone in distress. Addressing self-hate can lead to healthier relationships and a more positive self-image.
Emotional Indicators
Emotional indicators of self-hate can manifest in various ways. Some common signs to watch for include:
- Chronic feelings of sadness: An persistent sense of hopelessness can be a strong indicator of self-hate.
- Intense guilt or shame: Excessive dwelling on past mistakes can lead to deep-seated self-loathing.
- Self-criticism: A habit of harsh self-judgment and constantly comparing oneself unfavorably to others is significant.
These feelings often create a cycle of negativity, leading individuals to further isolate themselves. Recognizing these emotional states is essential. It allows individuals to seek help before the situation worsens.
Behavioral Patterns
Behavioral patterns also provide insight into self-hate. Individuals may engage in actions that further reinforce their negative self-perception. Consider the following behaviors:
- Avoidance of social interactions: Individuals may withdraw from friends, family, or social gatherings.
- Self-sabotaging actions: This might include not applying for jobs or sabotaging relationships, believing they do not deserve happiness.
- Over-reliance on substances: Some may turn to alcohol or drugs to escape their negative feelings.
Understanding these behavioral patterns can help both those struggling with self-hate and their support systems identify where change may be necessary. Recognizing these signs forms the groundwork for addressing deeper issues and pursuing healthier coping mechanisms.
Effects of Self-Hate
Understanding the effects of self-hate is critical in grasping its overall impact on an individual’s life. This section explores how self-hate shapes various aspects of mental health, relationships, and personal development. Recognizing these effects can help individuals identify their struggles and seek appropriate interventions, fostering progress towards healing and self-acceptance.
Mental Health Consequences
Self-hate significantly influences mental health. Individuals may experience a range of psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression. These feelings often stem from a harsh self-critic that reinforces negative thoughts, creating a cycle of self-doubt.
Research shows that those who endure self-hate often perceive challenges as insurmountable. This perspective may lead to avoidant behaviors, further exacerbating mental health concerns. Additionally, emotional distress can manifest as physical symptoms, like fatigue or chronic pain, both of which complicate daily functioning.
Some key mental health consequences include:
- Increased anxiety and stress levels
- Heightened risk of depression
- Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
- Difficulty in managing emotions effectively
"Self-hate is not just a feeling; it is a barrier that can hinder one’s capacity to thrive."
Impact on Relationships
Self-hate can create barriers in personal relationships. Individuals often struggle with intimacy and vulnerability, fearing rejection or criticism. This fear may lead to isolation, preventing genuine connections with others.
When a person harbors self-hate, it is likely that they project these feelings onto their relationships. This can result in conflict, misunderstandings, and a lack of emotional support. Furthermore, relationships can become toxic when one partner is unable to appreciate themselves, thus failing to nurture the bond with the other.
Some impacts on relationships are:
- Difficulty forming deep connections
- Increased likelihood of conflict
- Struggles with communication
- Tendency to create codependent dynamics
Effects on Personal Development
Self-hate can severely hinder personal development. It limits one’s capacity to set and achieve goals. Individuals may experience self-sabotage, where they undermine their potential due to a deeply ingrained belief of inadequacy. This behavior creates a cycle that reinforces feelings of failure and self-doubt.
Moreover, self-hate can stifle creativity and innovation. Individuals may avoid pursuing their interests or passions, feeling undeserving of success or happiness. As a result, their growth can stagnate, and they may miss opportunities that could lead to greater fulfillment.
Key effects on personal development include:
- Reduced motivation to pursue goals
- Limited engagement in growth opportunities
- Fear of failure impeding risk-taking
- Inhibited self-expression
Overall, the effects of self-hate are profound and far-reaching. Recognizing these consequences is the first step toward seeking help and making positive changes.
Coping Mechanisms and Strategies
Coping mechanisms and strategies are vital for individuals dealing with self-hate. They serve as a foundation for building emotional resilience and fostering a healthier self-image. It is crucial to understand that these mechanisms can vary widely from person to person. What works for one individual may not be effective for another. Therefore, exploring different approaches is essential. The goal is to equip oneself with tools to navigate the complexities of self-hate, enabling gradual improvement in self-acceptance.
Therapeutic Approaches
Therapeutic approaches form a significant part of the coping strategies for self-hate. Engaging with mental health professionals provides a structured environment to explore feelings and behaviors. Popular methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Each of these approaches targets specific patterns of thinking and emotional responses.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging distorted thought patterns that contribute to self-hate.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to regulate emotions.
- Psychodynamic Therapy explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence present feelings of self-worth.
Choosing the right therapeutic approach can significantly impact one’s journey toward self-acceptance. Support from trained professionals can offer insights and tools designed for personal growth.
Self-Compassion Practices
Self-compassion practices are instrumental in counteracting self-hate. These strategies encourage individuals to treat themselves with kindness, especially during moments of failure or struggle. Emphasizing a non-judgmental attitude towards oneself can foster emotional well-being.
Key elements of self-compassion include:
- Mindfulness: Acknowledging one’s feelings and experiences without over-identifying with them.
- Self-kindness: Offering understanding and support to oneself during times of difficulty.
- Common Humanity: Recognizing that suffering and personal inadequacies are part of the human experience, rather than isolating experiences.
Engaging in activities that encourage self-compassion can lead to increased emotional resilience and a reduction in feelings of self-hate.
Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness techniques are effective coping strategies for self-hate. These practices encourage individuals to stay present and observe their thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness helps one identify negative thought patterns and emotional responses, providing a clearer perspective on feelings related to self-worth.
Approaches may include:
- Mindful Breathing: Focusing on the breath can anchor attention, reducing the intensity of negative emotions.
- Body Scan: This technique promotes awareness of physical sensations, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies.
- Guided Imagery: Visualizing a peaceful setting can create a mental escape from negative self-talk.
Incorporating mindfulness into daily life can cultivate a sense of calm and foster a healthier relationship with oneself.
“The journey of coping with self-hate is challenging, but with the right strategies, individuals can find a route toward healing and self-acceptance.”
The Journey Towards Self-Acceptance
The journey towards self-acceptance is vital in understanding and addressing self-hate. This journey involves recognizing one's inherent worth and developing a compassionate relationship with oneself. Many individuals facing self-hate often wrestle with harsh internal criticism that can stem from various sources, including cultural and societal pressures. The process of self-acceptance permits individuals to break free from these negative thought patterns and accept their flaws as a part of being human.
Building Self-Esteem
Building self-esteem is a foundational aspect on the road to self-acceptance. People with low self-esteem frequently have skewed perceptions about their value. They may compare themselves unfavorably to others, motivating feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Improving self-esteem requires a commitment to personal growth through specific practices:
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirmations. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small.
- Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no to toxic people or situations that harm your self-image.
- Engaging in Activities: Participate in activities that you enjoy or excel at. Success in these areas can reinforce a positive self-view.
These practices can lead to gradual improvements in self-esteem. Over time, individuals may begin to see their own worth, enabling a healthier perception of themselves.
Seeking Professional Help
Seeking professional help can be a significant step towards self-acceptance. Therapists and counselors offer tailored support to address the complex layers of self-hate. They provide a safe space to explore feelings and help individuals unpack their past experiences. Options may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This method aids in recognizing and changing detrimental thought patterns.
- Group Therapy: Sharing experiences in a group setting can foster connection and validation.
- Mindfulness Training: This aids individuals in becoming more aware of their thoughts without judgment, promoting acceptance of self.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards healing. Emphasizing the importance of professional guidance can also reduce the stigma related to mental health support.
Remember: The journey to self-acceptance is personal and can take time. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Role of Support Systems
Support systems play a critical role in addressing self-hate. They encompass various forms of assistance that can profoundly shape one’s emotional landscape. The importance of having a robust support system cannot be understated. It is essential for mental health and personal development. Supportive relationships and communities can foster resilience and provide comfort during challenging times.
A support system consists of friends, family, mentors, or even professional therapists who contribute to an individual's well-being. This network can serve as a buffer against negative experiences that may foster self-hatred. When facing criticism or emotional turmoil, having supportive people around aids in reaffirming one’s worth and dignity.
Importance of Community
Community plays an integral part in combating self-hate. It provides a sense of belonging, which is crucial for emotional stability. Being part of a community allows individuals to connect with others who share similar struggles. This connection can nurture understanding and empathy.
Consider the following benefits of community:
- Shared experiences: Engaging with others who have faced similar challenges can validate one’s feelings. This recognition reduces isolation.
- Encouragement: Supportive communities can give emotional reinforcement. They motivate individuals to take steps toward personal growth.
- Resources: Access to resources and information within a community can help individuals discover health and healing strategies.
By embracing community support, individuals can mitigate feelings of self-hate, leading to a healthier self-perception.
Finding the Right Support Network
Identifying the right support network is crucial for addressing self-hate effectively. Not all support is constructive or helpful. It is important to seek relationships that foster positivity and promote emotional growth.
Here are some key considerations when finding the right support network:
- Trustworthiness: Ensure that those in your network respect your feelings and confidentiality. Trust is a foundation for support.
- Understanding: Seek people who are empathetic and can relate to your experiences. They should be willing to listen without judgment.
- Positive Influence: Surround yourself with individuals who encourage you and challenge negative self-beliefs. Their perspectives can shift your outlook.
A solid support system can change one’s narrative about themselves. It allows individuals to step away from self-hate and embrace self-acceptance.
"Support systems are the silent architects of our emotional resilience. They bridge the gap between self-doubt and self-love."
The journey towards self-acceptance is not solitary. Embracing support from trusted individuals and community can lead to deeper healing and understanding.
Long-Term Effects of Overcoming Self-Hate
The journey of overcoming self-hate is intricate and transformative. Understanding the long-term effects of this process is crucial for individuals committed to personal development. Acknowledging one ’s self-hatred is often the first step. However, the real challenge lies in the sustained effort required to replace these negative feelings with positive self-regard.
Successfully navigating this path can lead to numerous benefits. More than just relief from emotional pain, overcoming self-hate enhances several aspects of well-being. The following sections detail how this journey fosters growth and resilience in individuals.
Enhancing Overall Well-Being
One of the most significant impacts of overcoming self-hate is the enhancement of overall well-being. Individuals who manage to combat these negative feelings often experience an improved quality of life. They report better emotional stability, increased happiness, and a reduction in anxiety levels. This shift is closely linked to an improved relationship with oneself.
When self-hate diminishes, the person often becomes more motivated to pursue healthier lifestyle choices. For example:
- Eating habits: Individuals may engage in healthier eating patterns, focusing on nutrition rather than restriction.
- Physical activity: There is often a greater willingness to participate in physical activities that promote health and enjoyment.
- Social interaction: Improved self-view encourages more healthy relationships with others.
Moreover, overcoming self-hate fosters self-compassion. This emotional understanding allows individuals to treat themselves kindly during difficult situations. As self-compassion increases, so does emotional resilience, further stabilizing overall well-being.
Building Resilience
Building resilience is another critical long-term effect of overcoming self-hate. Resilience enables individuals to bounce back from adversity and face challenges with a more constructive attitude. When self-hate subsides, a person is typically better equipped to handle stress and emotional turmoil.
Having a healthier self-perception allows individuals to:
- Face setbacks: Rather than succumbing to despair, they can view setbacks as temporary challenges.
- Adapt to change: They become more adaptable and can manage life changes with greater ease.
- Set realistic goals: With a newfound sense of worth, people often set and pursue personal and professional goals that align with their values.
Beneficial coping mechanisms tend to replace the destructive patterns associated with self-hate. This proactive approach helps the individual navigate life more effectively. As a result, the long-term effects of overcoming self-hate not only improve one’s well-being but also enhance their capacity to thrive in a complex world.
"The journey towards self-acceptance is gradual, often flanked by setbacks, but the long-term benefits profoundly shape one's life in a positive way."
Ending: Moving Forward
In this final section, we emphasize the importance of resolving self-hate. A clear understanding of this topic can transform one's approach toward personal development. As explored throughout this article, self-hate can stem from various origins, and its detrimental effects on mental health are profound. However, recognizing this issue is the first step towards healing.
Focusing on moving forward allows individuals to shift their mindset. Embracing self-acceptance is not just advantageous, but necessary for long-term well-being. By actively confronting self-hate, individuals can dismantle the barriers it creates in their lives. The following points highlight key aspects to consider when looking toward the future:
- Acknowledgment: Accept that self-hate exists and recognize its triggers.
- Commitment to Change: Make a conscious decision to adopt healthier self-perceptions.
- Continuous Learning: Educate yourself about mental health and self-compassion practices.
"Recognizing the journey of self-acceptance is a process that takes time and tolerance."
Engagement in constructive practices can foster resilience and improvement in emotional well-being.
Reflection on the Journey
Reflecting on the journey is crucial for personal growth. It involves looking back at the patterns that led to self-hate and understanding them within a broader context. This introspection allows individuals to lay down the groundwork for future self-care.
During this reflective phase, consider:
- Identifying Triggers: What situations or interactions evoke self-hate? Recognizing these can lead to better coping strategies.
- Acknowledging Progress: Celebrate small victories. Even minor advancements in self-acceptance should be acknowledged.
- Seeking Support: Engage with others, whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends. Sharing experiences adds layers to the healing process.
Encouragement towards Growth
Encouragement towards growth is an optimistic yet realistic perspective on overcoming self-hate. It is essential to understand that growth is non-linear. Each individual’s path is unique and varies in complexity.
To foster a growth-oriented mindset, consider the following strategies:
- Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable and specific goals for self-improvement. This creates a sense of direction and purpose.
- Embrace Vulnerability: Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Being open about your struggles leads to deeper connections and can alleviate feelings of isolation.
- Cultivate Self-Compassion: Regularly practice self-kindness. Being gentle with oneself during tough times promotes emotional resilience.
Ultimately, the journey towards overcoming self-hate is demanding yet rewarding. By integrating these insights into daily life, individuals can create a more loving and accepting relationship with themselves.
