Being in a relationship can be great, and there is nothing wrong with that. I just believe at this time in my life I’m meant to be single, and here are my reasons:

1. I’ve had my heart broken before.

I know, sounds cliche, but getting over a broken heart was one of the most challenging things I’ve gone through. I don’t want to ever go through that again. I know that I can't "win" if I don't "play the game." But when it's my heart on the line, I don't want to take the risk. I would rather die alone than have my heart broken again.

2. I can focus on my friends.

As a freshman in college, friends are very important. From late night Steak-N-Shake runs to get that amazing Nutella shake, to just spending time praying for friends that are miles away I don’t want to add a boy into that mix. In previous relationships I have put a boy ahead of my friends and I don’t ever want to be in a situation like that again. My friends are too important to me. I don't want to miss out on random nights playing volleyball in the quad, after church lunches and late nights under the stars.

3. I’m focusing on my relationship with God.

God is my priority. Until recently, my relationship with him hasn't been what I’ve wanted it to be. I can’t pursue a Godly relationship with a man until my relationship with God is steady. If that takes six months? Great! Six years? Even better. I pray for God to take away distractions, and sometimes the distractions are boys.

4. I haven’t met a lot of Godly men my age

Yes, you may say you believe in God, but your post on social media, language you use and actions outside of chapel do not support your beliefs. I don’t want someone who just goes to church and knows the lyrics of worship music. I want someone who will do bible studies with me, someone who will be a representation of Christ. I refuse to settle for anything less.

5. I want my next relationship to be my last one.

I’ve gotten some weird looks for saying this before but it’s truly how I feel. I’m done with this new age of dating. I wasn’t meant for it. What the heck does “talking” even mean? Why can’t people just be friends with each other before they date? That makes so much more sense. All I know is that I’m waiting for God’s best, if that means I’ll be single the rest of college, oh well at least I’ll be content and fulfilled by God.

I honestly believe God has a plan for my life, after all in scripture he says “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 21:11. God has someone coming for me, but until we meet, I’ll be praying for him.