Read This If You’re Worried About Still Being Single

Let’s face it, being single can suck.

You’re left with unanswered texts, sudden bouts of loneliness, and maybe even a direct message inbox filled with lazily crafted “You up?” messages.

Not to mention everywhere you look there is a reminder of why being in a relationship is the best thing that can happen for you. You have your family and friends constantly asking you, “Is there anyone new in your life?” or opening up a social media app and reading comments on how to find the right person, how to keep them, and how to maintain a happy relationship or situation-ship.

The ideas of romance and marriage is served to us since we were introduced to the world. We learned that at a certain age, you must settle down, start a family and then and only then will your life begin.

With this understanding, we try to find people throughout the duration of our time on Earth who we can fall in love with and spend the rest of our days with. We become obsessed with planning our lives around one individual human being, and it can be quite exhausting.

Take it from me, I hated the idea of waiting for my partner. While everyone showed off their beaus and brought them to family events, I watched in envy, praying that I would find someone who was meant for me. I went on a plethora of dates with people who were just not for me. I raised my standards and lowered them each time someone new came into my life. I craved that attention and validity because I wanted to know and feel like I was desired, and being single left me to believe the opposite.

But there’s one thing that’s for sure: no one—and I mean no one—is going to love you the way you love yourself. There is so much more to life than being romantically tied to someone. There are discoveries within ourselves that we haven’t accessed yet, and the time to open ourselves to new possibilities is now.

Instead of constantly trying to find your person, find the ways you can become that person for yourself. Finding happiness should not be a manhunt but a journey. I remember telling myself that being single doesn’t have to seem like some sort of disease but rather an exciting time in my life where I could do whatever whenever I wanted. Of course, the feeling of wanting someone by my side creeps up every now and then, and it will.

But when you understand that true love comes from within, it’s glorious.

It’s time to recognize the true love that you need and internalize it.