Older generations have told me to learn to love myself. However, it's difficult when relationships are no longer about love. They are about one's idea of what love is. And if that person has been only exposed to abuse and toxic relationships, it will be more difficult for them to know what love is. It takes time, as most things do. I for one, have been manipulated time and time again. But i've learned to embrace that pain and make it into something positive. Which for me is writing poems and posts about my struggle with anxiety, depression, etc. And I hope to help others with my own experiences.