Jenny McCarthy, 40, is learning to love herself

Jenny McCarthy won't date until she loves herself.

The blonde beauty was recently linked romantically with jeweller Pascal Mouawad following her split from National Football League player Brian Urlacher, but she insists she is staying single while she learns to care for herself better.

She told People: "I have not met anyone yet that is a potential love. I have myself under construction. I'll let you know when the roads are clear and reopened.

"I'm in love with falling in love. I have come to realise, though, that I need to practise what I preach and learn to love myself completely before I love someone else.

"So, I've been courting myself and having a great time with me, myself and I."

Jenny turned 40 today but she insists she isn't upset about reaching the milestone age because she feels much younger.

She said: "I sadly have the same thought that my parents say every birthday which is, 'I don't feel that old.' So, I have decided to make my mindset '40 is the new 15'. Okay, fine — the new 22."