Once we understand that we are a part of all Life just like everything else; when we recognise our value or our "higher" self, then that is love of self- it's in the awareness of connection; of being a part of, which we can experience if we want to and then we realise why we are lovable and already loved.(we surrender)

And yes this goes straight to the heart of my premiss- if you close yourself off, you can not love or allow yourself to be loved- it's a choice and that's what many people don't understand unfortunately.

First we must allow ourself to be connected - our being as 'a part of perfection' and only once that's accomplished can we expand this experience/realisation to include others.
Sometimes I think that respecting/honouring one's self would be a better word than loving eh?

It would be so much easier if parents would teach this to their children from day one instead of imposing more and more boundaries.

Oh well, personal pet peeve..........