diff --git a/src/main/data/db/README.md b/src/main/data/db/README.md
index ab772615dc..10d3a44593 100644
--- a/src/main/data/db/README.md
+++ b/src/main/data/db/README.md
@@ -88,6 +88,8 @@ Drizzle handles JSON serialization/deserialization automatically.
 
 ## Foreign Keys
 
+### Basic Usage
+
 ```typescript
 // SET NULL: preserve record when referenced record is deleted
 groupId: text().references(() => groupTable.id, { onDelete: 'set null' })
@@ -96,6 +98,69 @@ groupId: text().references(() => groupTable.id, { onDelete: 'set null' })
 topicId: text().references(() => topicTable.id, { onDelete: 'cascade' })
 ```
 
+### Self-Referencing Foreign Keys
+
+For self-referencing foreign keys (e.g., tree structures with parentId), **always use the `foreignKey` operator** in the table's third parameter:
+
+```typescript
+import { foreignKey, sqliteTable, text } from 'drizzle-orm/sqlite-core'
+
+export const messageTable = sqliteTable(
+  'message',
+  {
+    id: uuidPrimaryKeyOrdered(),
+    parentId: text(),  // Do NOT use .references() here
+    // ...other fields
+  },
+  (t) => [
+    // Use foreignKey operator for self-referencing
+    foreignKey({ columns: [t.parentId], foreignColumns: [t.id] }).onDelete('set null')
+  ]
+)
+```
+
+**Why this approach:**
+- Avoids TypeScript circular reference issues (no need for `AnySQLiteColumn` type annotation)
+- More explicit and readable
+- Allows chaining `.onDelete()` / `.onUpdate()` actions
+
+### Circular Foreign Key References
+
+**Avoid circular foreign key references between tables.** For example:
+
+```typescript
+// ❌ BAD: Circular FK between tables
+// tableA.currentItemId -> tableB.id
+// tableB.ownerId -> tableA.id
+```
+
+If you encounter a scenario that seems to require circular references:
+
+1. **Identify which relationship is "weaker"** - typically the one that can be null or is less critical for data integrity
+2. **Remove the FK constraint from the weaker side** - let the application layer handle validation and consistency (this is known as "soft references" pattern)
+3. **Document the application-layer constraint** in code comments
+
+```typescript
+// ✅ GOOD: Break the cycle by handling one side at application layer
+export const topicTable = sqliteTable('topic', {
+  id: uuidPrimaryKey(),
+  // Application-managed reference (no FK constraint)
+  // Validated by TopicService.setCurrentMessage()
+  currentMessageId: text(),
+})
+
+export const messageTable = sqliteTable('message', {
+  id: uuidPrimaryKeyOrdered(),
+  // Database-enforced FK
+  topicId: text().references(() => topicTable.id, { onDelete: 'cascade' }),
+})
+```
+
+**Why soft references for SQLite:**
+- SQLite does not support `DEFERRABLE` constraints (unlike PostgreSQL/Oracle)
+- Application-layer validation provides equivalent data integrity
+- Simplifies insert/update operations without transaction ordering concerns
+
 ## Migrations
 
 Generate migrations after schema changes: