I have complex trauma from childhood. How do I learn to love myself?

How do you begin to love yourself when you were never properly nurtured? What does healing look like when you feel disconnected from your own needs, preferences, and inner life—and aren't even sure where to begin? For many people, learning to love yourself can feel confusing or out of reach when early experiences didn't provide a model for care. In this episode of Ask Angela: Relationship Advice for Love After Trauma, Angela Amias responds to a listener struggling with complex trauma from childhood and the painful realization that self-love doesn't come naturally. As she reflects on her history, she's beginning to understand how survival shaped her—but not yet how to nurture herself now. Angela explores: Why missing early nurturing can make it harder to know and care for yourself How childhood survival strategies often lead to codependent patterns later in life Why getting to know yourself is the first step toward genuine self-nurturing How to start small by noticing your preferences, needs, and emotional landscape Why rushing or pressuring yourself to "catch up" can deepen old wounds How healing childhood trauma unfolds through patience, self-discovery, and kindness If you've ever felt lost inside your own life—or unsure how to begin building a compassionate relationship with yourself—this episode offers grounded, gentle relationship guidance for starting where you are and growing from there. ✑ Join the conversation at askangela.co or leave a question at askangelapodcast.com ✫ Because everyone deserves love, trust, and connection in their relationships—and you don't have to figure it out alone.   Read more Ask Angela: Relationship Advice for Love After Trauma