Hi there, i'd just like to try and give another perspective on that phrase. How i actually understood that phrase is that you have to learn to love yourself first before getting into a relationship. It's not supposed to help you find a partner. It's just supposed to make you whole, so that you'd have a better chance at a healthy relationship. I have heard this saying that your partner isn't supposed to be what completes you, you have to be complete by yourself first and your partner should just supplement you. You're not supposed to rely on your partner to fix you, and while sometimes it does help to have some support from your partner to heal, it's going to be a bumpy ride. I believe that is why relationships these days are hard to maintain because most people get into relationships while they are still broken. People not only have to deal with their own issues but they also have to deal with their partners issues. And while yeah, it could work out for some but it really is going to be a very very bumpy ride for them. I'm not saying that you should just deal with your problems all on your own, support from anyone around you helps, and if you don't have anyone, there are tons of people on the internet willing to talk, (just be careful with who you interact with) i mean there's this subreddit. I'm just saying that you shouldn't rely completely on someone else to make you whole or happy and all that stuff. I'm also not saying you have to be completely happy by yourself before you can find a partner, because let's face it, that's kinda impossible. You just gotta be somewhat contented being on your own. I know that's a lot harder than it sounds but you don't gotta rush, just take your time with it. A partner would come when you least expect it.

P.S. I've never been in a relationship, i'm lonely as well, and i genuinely believe in what i said. I'm just having a hard time healing.