Can you look in the mirror and say "I love you" and genuinely mean it without laughing or thinking of it as a joke?

We start laughing and cringing because of the misconceptions about self love. We feel silly because society has told us that loving our own self is selfish and a bad thing.

Self love is about being confident, respecting yourself, and knowing who you are by supporting your physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Self love is grown by actions that mature us so we can accept our weaknesses and our strengths.

Throughout the years, society has created stigmas that keep us from loving our true selves. These stigmas say self love is selfish and narcissistic and for those reasons people won't like you. This often leads to people believing self love doesn't matter. Self does matter, because if you can't love yourself, you can't happily love others. How do love myself, so I can be happy in my relationships?

1. Become mindful.

Reflect on yourself - your actions and thoughts. Overcome your negative beliefs and the influences of others. As Dr. Seuss says, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

2. Don't be perfect.

Life isn't perfect, so why do you have to be perfect? Instead of aiming for perfection, strive for excellence. Excellence creates confidence rather than having a feeling of doubt. Excellence allows individuals to take risk and possess spontaneity rather than fear and frustration.

3. Forgive yourself.

We aren't perfect and we mess up, sometimes really big. You do have to accept responsibility for your actions, but understand that you are human. Don't be so hard on yourself. The most important part of making mistakes is to learn and grow.

4. Live with intention.

Accept what is happening in your life. Live your life with a purpose and design. By living your life with a sense of purpose and design, you will be able to make decisions that are parallel with your life's design. By living intentionally you accomplish your life's purpose.

5. Affirm yourself.

Affirm yourself with positive self-talk. Yes, talk to yourself, as your best coach and cheerleader is yourself. So, in the morning when you arise, tell yourself, "I am (your name) and today is a new day. I am beautiful, good enough, worthy, and I can do it."

Loving yourself can be a difficult thing, but you will feel so much more love and have a euphoric life with a purpose and a design.