Something that has been on my mind lately is the concept of finding love. In college, we have grown used to hearing the terms, "ring by spring" and "MRS degree". For the most part, they're used jokingly but I've actually caught myself stressing about not being in a relationship. That is bizarre. I'm eighteen years old with my entire life ahead of me. Don't get me wrong, being in a relationship is great. But so is being single. I think, as young adults, it's important to be reminded of a few things.

Avoid comparison like the plague.

I think it's becoming increasingly more tempting with the rise of social media to compare your life to that of your friends and peers. You see happy couples plastered all over Instagram and it's easy to comment "goals" and wish that you had the perfect guy to post pictures with. I think what we're forgetting though, is that social media is where people post the polished, put-together version of themselves. We have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. The struggles, the fights, the rough days; all part of being in a relationship. We want to think that it's all sunshine and smiles, but that's just not the reality.

WE ARE YOUNG.

I can't stress this enough. Why the heck are we worrying about settling down when we are barely out of our parents' houses? This is the time of our lives when we should be living. Travel, get your degree, and focus on discovering the person you've always wanted to be. If you meet someone along the way, great. But there is no point in wasting time wishing for a relationship when the whole world is waiting to be discovered.

Love yourself first.

Keke Palmer has recently been vocal on her views about being single and she says something that I think a lot of people need to hear: "It's very fun to be single, because you know what happens? You find yourself. You understand what it means to love yourself, instead of putting all this energy into give and tug in a relationship...And if you have that love within yourself, you won't be looking for it in somebody else. You'll be able to give and give and give, without feeling like you need to receive. Because you receive it from yourself."

I've always believed that you need to learn to be happy on your own before you can truly be in a fulfilling relationship. As humans, we were made to be in community. Loneliness is a crushing emotion, I know that. But relationships were not meant to fill a void.

Realize that you were created with a purpose; a purpose that is so much more than having a hot boyfriend. You were given unique talents and traits to achieve what you were made to do. That is incredibly special.

Don't ever settle.

I'm kind of a quote junkie and I found one the other day that I think is pretty relevant. "Unless it's mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it's a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life. Love shouldn't be one of them."

I was once told after ending things with a boyfriend that I should really just learn to settle a little bit because no one is perfect. That's true, you shouldn't expect perfection from a partner. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't hold your relationships to a high standard. If you aren't being treated right, what are you waiting for? Refuse to settle for anything less than "extraordinary love".

Finally, it is not my intention to discount the joys of being in a relationship. I have friends who were fortunate enough to find the love of their lives at a young age and they are happy as a peach. All I'm saying is that, regardless of your relationship status, live fully and appreciate your circumstances, whatever they may be.