Take the energy you give to trying to be loved, and re-learn to love yourself unapologetically.
When I speak about self-love, I am always mindful to use the word “re-learn” as opposed to “learn.” Because most human beings have an innate sense of self-love and self-worth. But we are taught, from various people, and at various ages, how to hate, disrespect, and disregard ourselves. But we are almost never free of the desire to love. As a result, those who forgot how to love themselves are still seeking to love others, believing that pouring into someone else from an empty cup will bring them validation.
Self-love gives you that validation, from an endless, abundant, unwavering source, and it makes loving others a healthy, holistic experience, rather than a fruitless search for meaning and purpose. Self-love is a declaration that you are worthy, and that the love of another will only complement, not supplement, your life.