You are strong enough to resist the temptation to enter a toxic relationship. You know you are better than that. You don’t deserve to be treated like an option, like a second choice, like a backup plan. If you decide to enter at relationship, it will be a healthy one. One where you are respected. One where you are appreciated.

You are strong enough to say no to almost relationships. To make the adult decision that you aren’t going to settle for less than you were looking for, just because you have strong feelings for this boy and want to keep him around. You are strong enough to tell him that you’ll accept all he has or walk away with nothing, because you refuse to put up with half-ass effort.

You are strong enough to say goodbye to the on-and-off-again guy who keeps coming back whenever you finally think you’re over him. You don’t need someone who picks and chooses when he wants you around. You need someone who never leaves your life. Someone who is willing to stick with you through anything.

You are strong enough to admit your single status with pride. When a friend or aunt or grandmother asks you about your love life, you won’t shrink away and blush about how you haven’t found the right person yet. You will look them in the eyes and tell them that finding love isn’t your first priority — and that will be the truth.

You are strong enough to chase away your insecurities. Instead of staring at yourself in the mirror and picking apart your appearance, instead of wondering why you are still alone, you will smile at your reflection. You don’t need a boy to tell you that you’re beautiful. You already know that. You have already cultivated love for yourself.

You are strong enough to ignore the voice in your head, telling you that you need to be married by a certain age. You realize there is no timeline. No rulebook. Every person moves at their own pace, so there is no need to rush into a relationship. You can relax. You can take your time.

You are strong enough to discover happiness on your own. You don’t need someone sleeping beside you, sitting at the dinner table with you, watching TV with you. You are okay on your own. Better than okay. You are thriving.

You are strong enough to enjoy single life. To make the most of your alone time instead of wishing it was different. To take advantage of the freedom that you have to flirt, because it won’t always be that way. You have faith that, even though you’re single now, you will eventually find the heart meant for you.

You are strong enough to wait for the right person to come along instead of settling for the first person who you can kind of, sort of imagine marrying. You are strong enough to make the smart decision instead of the easy decision. You are strong enough to hold out for your forever person.