Book Review: Madly in Love with Me by Christine Arylo

by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer

Did you know it’s National Self-Love Day today! I’m celebrating by posting a book review by an author that I truly adore. Here’s the review. Please let me know if you’ve heard of the book and what you think of it.

Christine Arylo’s Madly in Love with Me: The Daring Adventure of Becoming Your Own Best Friend is a beautifully crafted self-love manifesto that inspires readers to embrace themselves fully with all their flaws, strengths, and all.

Unlike many self-help books that focus on external validation or achievement, Arylo shifts the focus inward, emphasizing the importance of cultivating deep, unconditional love for oneself as the foundation for a fulfilling life.

Arylo, a self-described “self-love advocate,” wrote this book to help people develop a meaningful and lasting relationship with themselves. She argues that self-love is not a luxury but a necessity, and she presents it as a practical, daily practice rather than an abstract concept. The book is designed to guide readers through a transformative journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and ultimately, self-celebration.

Rather than simply telling readers to “love themselves,” Arylo provides a structured framework that breaks self-love into different components, offering actionable steps to strengthen each area. The book is interactive, filled with exercises, journal prompts, and activities designed to encourage deep reflection and real-life application.

1. The Self-Love Tree: A Holistic Approach

One of the book’s most compelling concepts is the “Self-Love Tree,” a metaphor Arylo uses to illustrate the different aspects of self-love. She explains that just like a tree needs strong roots and healthy branches to thrive, self-love has various dimensions that must be nurtured.

The branches of self-love include:

• Self-Worth – Recognizing one’s inherent value and not allowing external factors to determine self-esteem.
• Self-Compassion – Practicing kindness toward oneself, especially in times of struggle.
• Self-Trust – Listening to one’s inner wisdom and intuition rather than seeking external validation.
• Self-Care – Prioritizing personal well-being and creating rituals that nourish the body, mind, and soul.
• Self-Pleasure – Allowing oneself to experience joy, playfulness, and fun without guilt.
• Self-Expression – Having the courage to speak one’s truth and show up authentically in the world.
• Self-Honor – Setting and maintaining boundaries that protect one’s energy and values.

Arylo encourages readers to identify which branches of their Self-Love Tree need the most care and provides exercises to strengthen those areas.

2. Moving Beyond Self-Criticism

One of the biggest barriers to self-love is the inner critic—the negative voice that tells us we’re not good enough, smart enough, or lovable enough. Arylo provides a powerful framework to silence self-doubt and replace it with self-empowerment.

She introduces the concept of the “Inner Mean Girl”, a term she uses to describe the critical voice inside our heads. She helps readers recognize different types of self-sabotaging behaviors, such as:

• The Perfectionist – The voice that tells you nothing you do is ever good enough.
• The Comparison Queen – The voice that makes you feel inadequate by constantly measuring your worth against others.
• The Guilt-Tripper – The voice that makes you feel selfish for prioritizing yourself.

Arylo provides techniques to counteract these negative voices, including affirmations, journaling exercises, and mindset shifts.

3. The Power of Self-Care & Boundaries

Many people struggle with putting themselves first, often feeling guilty for prioritizing their own needs. Arylo reframes self-care as an essential part of self-love, not selfishness. She encourages readers to create self-care rituals that nourish them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries. She teaches readers how to say no without guilt, how to protect their energy from toxic relationships, and how to establish a life that aligns with their values and desires.

4. Falling in Love with Yourself – Playfulness & Joy

Unlike many self-help books that focus on healing pain, Madly in Love with Me also emphasizes joy. Arylo believes that self-love should be a fun, adventurous journey, not just a serious introspection.

She encourages readers to embrace their playful side, explore their passions, and give themselves permission to experience pleasure. She even suggests celebrating Self-Love Day (February 13th) as a way to honor oneself before Valentine’s Day—a brilliant way to reclaim love as something that starts from within.