This world has put a lot of pressure on single people. It is almost expected that two people be in a relationship in order for "completeness" or to be "fully happy." This bothers me a lot. Why is it so important to be in a serious relationship? When did the world start to perceive single people as unhappy?
College is a very confusing and stressful time. Right now, we are at this awkward place in our lives where we don't know what the heck we want. Oh, and as soon as we think that we do, our minds decide to switch things up on us. We go to classes, have jobs, participate in organizations and activities, and have a ton of homework. So, let me tell you something. If no one has decided to tell you this yet, you do not need to be ina relationship, right now. What?
I know that is a really weird thing to hear because it seems like everyone these days is so focused on "finding their person" rather than striving to be the best person that they can be. Let me tell you something else. It shouldn't be hard to find that person. When it is the right time for you, you will meet him/her, but maybe right now you need to focus on you. Maybe your person is not at the right place in his/her life right now to meet you; maybe you aren't either. Right now you are developing, changing, striving, stressing, studying, participating, and trying to make it through until the weekend, and that is OK. It is OK to be under pressure and not have it all together. Believe it or not, all of this is strengthening you and molding you into being a more successful and independent person.
Independence. What an important topic. And yet another great reason to be single for some time in college. I think that Independence is a great friend that everyone needs to be introduced to. You may be wondering, Why is it so important to be independent? The importance of independence is that you learn to be good on your own. You learn to handle emotions and hardships while becoming the responsible person you're supposed to be. You get comfortable with yourself and figure out what you like and what you want. You see that it is good to be on your own and make decisions for yourself.
In college, if you never have a chance to experience independence, you may never be able to. Jumping from one relationship to another will only increase dependency on those people. Ask yourself if you are comfortable being alone. If you are not, then being in a relationship right now may not be the best thing for you. Huh? Well, if you are looking for fulfillment in another person, that is not healthy. If something is lacking in your life, you need to fill that yourself. You can't search for a person to fill voids in your life. You have to be strong and know that you can overcome what is missing on your own. But don't worry, that is what college is for, anyway.
With all of that being said, If you are in a relationship and managing a healthy and happy life, that is great too. Relationships are definitely not a bad thing. I am just telling all of the single folk out there that they are not in the wrong here.
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To all of you single college students -- stop stressing. If you are stressing, let it be about school or work. Have fun. Figure yourself out. Hang out with your friends. Go out and party a bit. Take adventures. Find out what you want. Strive to be the best person you can be. Cry. Be upset sometimes. Figure out how to cheer yourself up. Exercise. Treat yo'self. And most importantly: enjoy college. Your person will come. But don't go out looking for them, instead, go out and find yourself.
