You learn how to listen and to show love to another as you develop the ability to listen and properly respond to yourself.

Begin by paying attention to your thoughts, your feelings, and the things that you say to and about yourself. Without judgment, take a moment to focus on your thoughts and feelings. Then, try to discover the reasons for those thoughts or feelings. 

How do you feel about what you have discovered? Many people find that their internal conversations and attitudes towards self are often critical and judgmental. However, we can demonstrate self-love by taking the time to listen to our inner dialogue with consideration and respect. An easy way to do this is to consider how you would feel if a stranger walked up to you and said or did the same thing. 

The first time I did this exercise, I was surprised by my negative thinking. I realized that when I looked in the mirror in the morning, the first thing I did was offer “constructive criticism.” If someone on the street approached me that way, I would consider them rude and would not want to be friends with them. Now, I greet myself with a smile and a pleasant thought before any scrutinizing stares or comments.