Reflexive vs Reciprocal

Reflexive = same person; each other = two-way action.

Examples

• They hurt themselves.
• They love each other.

Key rules

• Reflexive pronouns (myself, himself, themselves) refer back to the subject: They hurt themselves
• Each other shows a two-way action: They love each other
• Some verbs do not need reflexives (wash, shave, dress) unless stress is needed
• Use by oneself for alone

Common mistakes

• They love themselves → They love each other
• I feel myself good → I feel good