In order to be successful at love and dating, you've got to first love yourself. Easier said than done, right? For women, it's often hard to always be confident, to feel like we are worthy of the good things that come to us and to love ourselves for who we are, because we always think that who we are isn't good enough. Why are women this way? It's hard to say.

If you've grown up in an environment where you weren't valued as a child, if you were abused or otherwise made to feel inadequate, you may have a problem loving yourself. In my case, my childhood wasn't a bed of roses by any means and I tended to date guys who tried to hurt or abuse me. Once I got my self-esteem in check, I realized that I was worthy of good things in life and that I did not have to tolerate abuse and violence from a man. I was worthy of a good guy and eventually I found one.

Here are a few tips that might help you love the person you see in the mirror every morning. Remember that life is full of surprises, disappointments, good times and bad. There's no way to really tell what's going to come around the corner on any given day, no matter how well we plan. So try to focus on the present moment you're in and enjoy it. Take time to notice nature, flowers, help a person in need, practice random acts of kindness to people you don't even know.

I want you to start doing something today that I know is going to help you in the future. Pick one day of the week and give yourself something beautiful. Something from you for you. It could be something as simple as a gorgeous flower or perhaps it's something you've had your eye on for a while. Remember that you deserve everything wonderful in life. There's no reason why you don't. Treat yourself with love and the guy in your life will do the same. And if he doesn't, you'll be able to spot him