The notion that one needs to learn to love oneself before one can adequately love others ignores the brute facts of human development. Fortunately, there are other solutions.

I learn to love myself as I am. Don't Depend on External Approval Validation from others is fleeting. My well-being shouldn't depend on what others think or say. Take Care of My Body and Mind My ...

This is reflected in statements like, “I need to learn to love myself before I can truly love someone else.” On the surface, this idea seems plausible. In reality, it just leads to more heartache.