How to build confidence and self-acceptance after a toxic relationship
- Sivan Avni
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Leaving a toxic relationship is a brave act, a testament to your inner strength that has always been present, even if it's challenging to feel it now. A toxic relationship can leave us feeling self-doubt and insecure, but each of us can feel whole, empowered, and worthy. This article will explore how you can rediscover self-confidence and acceptance, with love and inner respect, by recognizing your inherent self-worth.

Toxic relationships harm self-esteem and acceptance in two ways:
Emotional instability – a constant sense of doubt: In toxic relationships, the tension and criticism can erode our sense of stability. Often, we become accustomed to pleasing others or giving up on ourselves to maintain peace in our relationships, and this habit becomes an integral part of our identity. As a result, many of us leave a toxic relationship with a sense of doubt and instability, and sometimes even with a feeling of worthlessness.
Internalization of criticism and disrespect: When we experience constant criticism in a relationship, it can become deeply ingrained in our subconscious. The feeling of 'not being good enough' can follow us outside the relationship and affect our ability to accept ourselves. It is important to remember – you deserve love and respect precisely as you are.
How should you start building self-confidence and self-acceptance after a toxic relationship?
Releasing burdensome beliefs and replacing them with positive, empowering thoughts
To begin rebuilding your self-confidence, it's essential to identify the negative beliefs that were internalized during the toxic relationship. Ask yourself,
"I release the old beliefs that sought to undermine me and choose to see myself through the eyes of compassion and love. I am worthy of respect and appreciation."
Practicing self-acceptance through connecting with your inner light
Try a simple and empowering daily practice: Every morning, stand in front of the mirror, look into your eyes, and say in a soft, loving voice:
"I love and accept myself exactly as I am. I am full of light, joy, and love."
Every night, add one small thing to your list that you appreciate about yourself. Acknowledge your strengths, talents, and abilities. This practice will remind you, daily, that you are whole and worthy just as you are.
Setting healthy boundaries, the way to choose yourself anew
To build self-confidence, it's essential to know how to set healthy boundaries. If there's someone around you who makes you feel stressed or hurts you, try telling yourself:
"I allow myself to maintain my boundaries with love and compassion. Every boundary I set is an expression of self-love."
As you practice recognizing your right to protect your personal space, your inner sense of security, which is a feeling of safety and confidence in your worth, will grow.
Creating a safe anchor among friends and family
Creating a safe anchor among friends and family is key to rebuilding your confidence. Seek out relationships that foster a sense of mutual respect and self-expression. This could involve having open and honest conversations, setting boundaries, and spending quality time together. Cultivate experiences of safe and healthy connection. Loving friendships and family can provide reassurance and comfort in your journey, reminding you that you are worthy of love and respect just as you are.
How can you start the path to confidence and self-acceptance?
To begin your journey of self-empowerment, try incorporating a small, calming daily practice. Just before bed, place your hand over your heart and say to yourself:
"I release the fears and pain of the past. I send myself love and recognition, and invite confidence and peace into my life."
This practice will serve as a quiet and strengthening reminder that you are always safe and worthy of love.
F.A.Q. about developing self-confidence and acceptance after a toxic relationship
What do I do if I still feel like I'm not good enough?
These feelings of unworthiness are a natural response to a toxic relationship, but they don't define you. Empower yourself with positive affirmations that remind you of your worthiness, serving as a practical tool to overcome these feelings:
How do I know if I'm ready to start a new relationship?
When you feel confident in yourself and your ability to set boundaries, you will know you are ready to open your heart again. These inner feelings signal that you are standing on solid ground, ready to embrace a new chapter in your life, with the assurance that you can prevent future toxic relationships by setting healthy boundaries.
How to deal with difficulty accepting yourself after a toxic relationship?
Start by writing about your strengths and abilities daily. This practice will help you. See yourself in a loving and valuable light.
Find confidence and self-acceptance from your inner strength, which is the resilience and determination that lies within you.
This strength can help you overcome the challenges of rebuilding your self-acceptance after a toxic relationship.
Creating a sense of security and self-acceptance after a toxic relationship is a process of inner connection, awareness, and loving attention to yourself. Over time, you will discover that you deserve to feel strong and whole, and that this sense of security is a source of true love.
If you feel that your self-acceptance and confidence have been damaged due to the relationship, I invite you to a process that will help you rediscover these feelings within yourself.
We can process painful experiences, understand what truly belongs in the past, and focus on rebuilding our sense of worth from a place of strength and acceptance, embracing who we are. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth that holds the promise of a brighter, more confident future. Remember, the path to self-acceptance and confidence is not always easy, but it is always worth it. You are not alone on this journey.
🪬🪬🧄🧅Sivan Avni - Systemic Process-Oriented Couple Constellation
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