Do you let people love you?

4 Ways to Practice Receiving Love (Includes Journaling Prompts)

There is a lot of emphasis on learning how to love others, but what about learning to receive the love that others offer us?

I meet many individuals who are better at giving love than accepting it. Why is that? One reason is the distorted narratives and beliefs we hold. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. We should do anything necessary to be loved, but stay alert and anxious because, at some point, the person will stop loving us or leave us.

2. We should do anything we can to “earn” love, but keep in mind that we are not worthy of it even if we receive it.

3. We should do whatever it takes to be loved while accepting it as conditional and based on our actions, usefulness, and output.

4. We should do anything necessary to be loved but pretend that we don’t want love (that part is “self-centered,” “needy,” or “desperate”).

Most of us don’t accept love because it seems difficult to fathom that we deserve it, or because we fear the pain of losing it.

If this is you, here are some effective ways to start practicing.

1. Recognize and Challenge Limiting Beliefs:

The first step in learning to receive love is to acknowledge any beliefs or fears that may be blocking you. Write down any negative thoughts that arise when you consider receiving love, and challenge them. Replace them with affirmations that reinforce your right to love and be loved.

Example:

Limiting belief: I am unworthy of love.

Affirmation: I don’t need to earn my worth, I just need to recognize it. I don’t need to earn love, I just need to be open to it.

2. Practice Mindfulness: