Yes indeed..

Er, tough to say. I've heard convincing arguments on both sides.

Do most people typically love themselves? I dunno--but I've seen plenty of evidence to suggest the notion that most people are less than (what I would call) perfectly "mentally or emotionally healthy." So how helpful of a rubric is it, really?

I've heard (from 'ceedling', on YouTube) the argument that this is a potentially damaging thing to say to someone with low self-esteem, depression, or other mental health issues-- tantamount to saying, "You're not mentally healthy? Tough shit--no relationship for you!" I'm not sure I fully agree with all the nuances of this argument, but it has its points.

For the most part, I agree that self-love, -compassion, and -acceptance are--and should be--the foundation of many ways of relating to and regarding others. I like what Ken Keyes Jr. has to say about it in A Conscious Person's Guide to Relationships: (paraphrased): "Develop a relationship with yourself before pursuing a relationship with someone else.". "Don't expect the relationship to make you happy.". "Involvement, yes; addiction, no."

I think it's a very subtle, nuanced issue and cannot be encapsulated satisfactorily by pat platitudes.

I think deep insecurity can undermine a relationship, especially if it manifests as "What does my partner see in me?" and "Do they want someone else?" or anything along those lines.

i disagree 2 a degree. i do not love myself, but i don't hate myself either. i have had some relationships that went well, and others that did not. i don't think u have 2 love yourself but i do think u need 2 have respect for yourself. know your worth, and do not except any less.

Self love? What does that mean? Does it mean the same thing to everyone? Narcissistic? Or does it simply mean the good old fashioned "well adjusted"? Normal?

I can't say. I"ve never had a good relationship.

Love yourself, not your ego - makes good relationships.

Careful! Sometimes you get to love yourself and realize you don't really want a relationship.

Yes.

Yes. But many of us are only just learning now how to do that after decades of not loving ourselves.