Someone at some point said that if you want something bad enough, you’ll get it. Like if you wish really hard, you’ll magically find yourself wearing True Religions and carrying a Blackberry, even if you earn a measly $7.00 an hour at your less-than-part-time job.

Whoever that someone was, was right. My example? The last relationship I was in. I thought, Oh, this won’t last long. This boy can’t commit. I’m too jealous and insecure. We’ll hit 6 months and he’ll say “See ya!”. And wouldn’t you guess it? Six months hit and – bam- he did. (Er, I did first, I guess. But let’s not get technical.)

The lesson here is simple: Have confidence. Have confidence in every little thing you do, say, think or feel. You need to believe that you are worthy of a relationship (with someone who is amazing and will treat you as such!). You have to reach really far inside yourself, attack all the demons that haunt you and rid yourself of them — forever. Only after you feel whole, complete and wonderful alone can you really experience love from another.

My inability to see myself as a beautiful, capable girl drove away a wonderful guy. However, I have learned a valuable lesson, and he said it best himself: “You need to fall in love with yourself before you can ever fall in love with someone else.”

It’s easier said than done, but start to take pride in yourself. Admire yourself and treat your mind like an old, trusted friend and your body like your favorite sweater. ‘Cause really, no matter who is on your arm, you are still you – and that will never, ever change.