The phrase "affection for himself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's feelings of love or care towards themselves, often in the context of self-esteem or self-acceptance.
Example: "He finally learned to cultivate a healthy affection for himself, which transformed his outlook on life."
Alternatives: "self-love" or "self-regard".
While opinions vary widely, the party still enjoys support in Sunni regions, some of it expressed in affection for Mr. Hussein himself.
Alongside a well-merited outpouring of affection for the actor himself, message boards heaved with praise for his signature sitcom, The Good Life, about a couple who garden their way out of the rat race ("a great programme"; "exceptional TV").
Remember the unexpected pang of affection for John Major, taking himself stoically off to the cricket after losing office, or even for Brown leaving Downing Street hand in hand with his little boys?
What unites the members of the league is our affection for the actor himself, mingled with regret that Kilmer did not become the intergalactically famous star we wanted him to be.
Despite her affinity for Trump voters, Silverman didn't show the same affection for the president himself, noting that people are "waiting for him to hit bottom".
One of the King's closest advisers, William Parr, had a particular affection for the town, having himself spent a large amount of time at the King's manor house in Guildford, and it was he who advised the King to re-appropriate some of the funds arising from the Abolition of the Chantries Acts to the school.
But with 30 metres to go and the raucous din of the good-natured, highly amused but supportive Australian crowd growing in volume as they roared their encouragement for the hapless underdog, the flailing object of their affection steeled himself for one final big push.
For all of his skepticism, Mr. Bazan is rarely caustic, singing with affection for those hobbled by foibles, himself included.
I love all five of the major characters more or less equally, but I'll admit to a particular affection for Gary, because he knows himself the least and is, for a lot of readers, the hardest to love.
