It is believed that before you can love someone or allow someone to love you, you have to love yourself first. As challenging as it might sound, it is the best feeling to have. The real question to ask yourself would be, “If I can’t love myself, how will I break the barrier to let someone else love me?” Loving yourself will not only benefit you but it will allow your significant otherto feel loved, and it creates trust.

Here are five ways to love yourself:

1. Self-confidence is the new black.

In today's society, it's a huge struggle to find confidence in yourself when others are trying to put you down. I say forget them. If you are confident with how you look, how you talk, and how you see the world then you are the winner. Let’s be honest, no one wants to be around someone who always downs themselves. It’s like a self-pity party all the time. So forget what people say, be confident in every single thing you do, and please yourself before others. So you want to wear the dress that shows your figure? You rock it, girl. You want to wear that "Star Wars" shirt? Wear it with pride, dude. Walk with confidence and own your personality; the right person will love you no matter what.

2. Smiling could brighten anyone’s day.

You hate your smile? Don’t. It is beautiful because it’s yours. No one’s smile is the same, so love yours. I am telling you that a smile can go a long way. As Dolly Parton once said, “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.” I personally live by this quote. You can turn someone’s whole day around just by smiling at them. So, own your smile. It's beautiful just like you are.

3. Give yourself compliments.

Okay, this might sound very conceited, but trust me, it’s not. Compliments from others make us feel good, but we don’t always believe them. So, compliment yourself. Doing this will help boost your confidence and maybe help others become more confident, as well. Place sticky notes in different areas of your room, apartment, or where ever you stay. Write small sayings on them like, “You’re beautiful” or “You’re going to do awesome on your test.” Take this as a way to boost about yourself because, I mean, who doesn’t like to feel good about themselves?

4. Give others compliments.

You are not the only person who is struggling with self-worth. Being nice and gracious to others will help you realize that there is so much more to you than you believe. Giving someone a compliment goes along with smiling because you provided that confidence to someone. Showing others your caring side will allow you to open up to you significant other and provide that loving quality every relationship needs. Go up to that girl that you like so much and tell her how beautiful she is to you. Go to that boy and compliment his smile.

5. Give your life to Christ.

This might sound cliché, but that is totally okay. To truly love yourself, give yourself to Christ. He created you, so let him control your life and allow his love to help guide you. His love is everlasting and is the most beautiful love of all. If you accept his love, you will not only love yourself you will love others just as much. This is the best part about loving yourself. Not only because he provided you with so many things to love about yourself, but you always have someone that loves you no matter what you do.

Do not feel afraid to reach outside your comfort zone. Even when life gets you down, always remember: love God, love yourself, and love others. Life has so much to offer each and every one of us, don’t let doubt of self-worth get you down. You are unique and beautiful in every way possible.