I hate the phrase "love yourself" it just seems so weird. Idk why . anyway to the point.

in my mind, being confident, accepting of yourself and content in a way with where you are in life goes a long way to preparing you for being in a relationship. Anything you tend to be lacking in those areas you will automatically (and naturally) end up relying on the other person for which leads to dependency.

As I've said time and again, even though I'm not an expert at doing so, I strongly believe that independence first is the best way for people to be best equipped for a relationship. When you're in it without the needs basis, you're well on your way to being able to really love another person, which also in my mind is something you give and do. In a place of too much need you tend to be looking for the other person to fill the void, lift you up etc. rather than be there for them in the same way.

Hope this helps.