Society around us have certain expectations of us. Different culture expects differently and within it, the Christian sub-culture compounds the cultural expectations with their interpretations of what God expects. Within the context of the cultural background of where we are and ethnicity we are from, we may find ourselves feeling the pressure of meeting those expectations.

Sometimes to the point that we are afraid to love ourselves in fear of failing to meet those expectations. (In some cultures or families, this is more prevalent than others.) This can manifest in subtle or not so subtle ways. Sometimes negatively.

To counter this, we ought to remember:

Love your neighbour as yourself. (Matthew 22.39 NLT)

Jesus did not forbid us from loving ourselves. If we do not love ourselves, then how do we love others as ourselves?

We are allowed to love ourselves. But do not forget the "love your neighbour" part above and the "love God" part in verse 37.