If I love and respect myself I won't let others take advantage of me or get myself in awful relationships.
You put that well, JerryRG.
You could also say that loving yourself means that you will never allow yourself to be the victim of someone else's verbal or physical abuse. It also means that you will eschew self-destructive behavior. It's a great starting point. Don't forget to include self-acceptance, just the way you are.
LuckyJim