How To Stop Your Self Esteem From Damaging Your Relationships

I recently read a comment on my blog which read: "Why do you think self esteem is so important? My reply to that question was, Self esteem dictates whether we do something, if we feel like doing something, how we do something and why? Self esteem is sometimes overlooked by many people simply because they under estimate it's importance, and the role it plays in our lives. It takes a healthy self esteem to hold on to a job. It takes a healthy self esteem to grow as an individual It takes a healthy self esteem to bring up kids with good morals. You see, regardless of what you do, where you at in your life right now. Your self esteem will dictate your next course of action. I remember being told about a story of a street beggar and his Dog. The beggar was sitting on the floor next to a bin, and at his side laid his dog who just kept on howling non stop. The beggar got a lot of attention that day, just because passer byes could not understand why his dog kept on howling. Loads of people stopped briefly, stared at the beggar shook their head and kept on walking. Some gave the beggar a dirty look almost as if they assumed he had something to do with it. An old lady actually asked the beggar to feed his dog in a harsh tone and hurriedly walked off. Finally one gentle man managed to stop, and walked up to the beggar, smiled and asked "Why is your Dog howling". "He is laying on a nail", the beggar replied smiling. The man was shocked and looked around in disbelief, and asked "Why don't you just help him up". The beggar shook is head and said i can't, he is very hot tempered, he will get up when he is good and ready" The gentle man now puzzled, asked the beggar, "But why won't the dog get up, despite being in so much pain" . "It's not hurting enough the beggar replied with a smile". That story really brought it home for me. You see a lot of people in the world today are acting exactly like the dog in that story. Most people are sick and tired of the situation they find themselves in, but they just not ready to do something about it. Why is self esteem so important? When you have a healthy self esteem, it radiates and spreads into your relationships, it also helps your productivity at work, etc. People with a good self esteem usually feel good about themselves. They are fun to be with, they make you feel like a million dollars when you around them. Those with a healthy self esteem are usually leaders who are able to inspire others. A healthy self esteem will help your relationship blossom because your partner will find you a joy to be around Your work colleagues will enjoy working with Your friends will always want to hang out with you. There are 2 main steps to stop your self esteem from damaging your relationship. Step 1: Become conscious of the impact you having on other people Do people find it easy to get on with you? Do people enjoy your company etc. These are the question you must ask yourself. If the answer is no, then you need to change it by making a decision to love and appreciate yourself. You see it's very hard to accept love and friendship from others if you don't value or love yourself Step:Avoid Analysis Paralysis; It's good to analyze, but analysis paralysis will destroy your relationships.The Vast majority of people who over analyze do so, due to fear of being hurt or let down by someone else. When you constantly over analyze, you will gradually become some who is suspicious of people and find it hard to give everyone the benefit of a doubt. No one will hang around some, who is very suspicious for long.