Anytime I go and see my friends or family they ask me if I'm seeing anyone. My answer 9 times out of 10 is, "No, I am still single." I am perfectly okay with being this way. I don't need anyone's pity or comments like, "Oh I'm sorry, you'll find the one eventually." I am a young independent woman and I don't have to be in a relationship right now. I have a long life to live with someone eventually or just my dog, which is most likely how it will be. I want to live my life for me and not have to worry about another person. I am young and I have a lot of experiences that are yet to come during my college and future years.

Now, I'm not saying that I wouldn't pursue being with someone right now; I'm just waiting for the right person to come along. I know I will have to get my heartbroken even more until I find the one. I'm not on the search to find someone and whatever happens, happens. I refuse to lower my standards just to say that I have a boyfriend. I know what I deserve. I have other priorities at the moment like focusing on my classes and applying to my major. I keep myself occupied by studying, going to my extra-curricular activities and spending time with my friends and family.

Since I have all of this free time, I usually hangout with my dog. He honestly is like a boyfriend to me, I take him on car rides around town with the window down. We go and eat fast food in the drive thru when I visit my friends working. The only time we have problems is when he tries to take my side of the bed when we cuddle. I always look forward to going home to a loud little puppy happy as can be to see me. Dogs are way better than any guy ever will be.

The next time someone asks me if I'm seeing someone, I won't feel ashamed. I am perfectly fine with being alone; in fact, it's nice to have time to myself. I'm in the process of discovering who I am and what I want to do with my life. I have become the go-to third wheel all throughout high school and now, college. I embrace this title and enjoy it, especially when I third wheel with my best friends and their boyfriends.

Never feel less than others because you are single. While being single, you learn to love yourself. In order for you to love anyone, you must love yourself first. It was a hard concept for me to learn this, but in the end, I'm thankful I put myself first. Now that I have spent the time working on myself, I'll be ready for someone in the future. This may be weeks, months or years before I find someone, but I'm okay with waiting. In the meantime, I'll be watching Netflix with my dog and eating ice cream.