It's hard to not feel lonely when there are so many people out there on social media publicizing their relationship for all to see. No matter where you look, there's always a relationship to admire on television or real-life.

I'd like to think of myself as a decent guy, but I've only ever been in one relationship in my life, and that's perfectly fine, but for others, they find it not only strange but grounds for asking more questions. "Are your standards too high? You're expecting too much. Why don't you just give the relationship a try?"

Every single time I am asked these questions, I have to try my best to not roll my eyes.

I'll admit: I have high standards. If I feel doubtful that a relationship will not work when I'm dating someone, then I cut that person off before we make it official (I'll cut them off nicely though.)

Why?

Because to me, if I'm about to begin a relationship, it has to be with full certainty and trust. I'm not the kind of person that'll experiment with the probability of the relationship already within it, I want to be comfortable coming into it already.

I want to make sure that there is actual compatibility and that I'm not just pursuing a relationship merely for the purpose of having one. So many people nowadays feel like they have to be in a relationship and disregard red flags or important details just to jump into it.

I'm not that person. I want to feel like my other half and I are on equal footing where we are in similar mindsets and not uneven ones.

If conversation is too heavy on my end, where I'm the one carrying it just a little too much, or if I feel like there's too much silence between the other person and myself, then I don't want to pursue it either. Conversation is KEY, and if I already begin to wonder if it'll be a problem later on, it's probably because it will be.

When it comes to relationships and starting one, I listen to my gut a majority of the time. Sure, there are insecurities that everyone has that should be overcome and those I do not mind. However, everyone has a sort of intuition when it comes to relationships and many people choose to ignore it just for being able to say they have a relationship.

I'm not that kind of person. I'd rather be alone than be in the company of a person that doesn't fit with my personality. I feel offended when people tell me to forget some of my standards because that's not who I am, and that's not who anyone should be.

Unless you have unrealistic expectations as part of those "high standards" then you are fine. If I managed to be in a relationship in the past that actually met my criteria, then I know I am bound to be in one like that again, in time.

Life can get very lonely, and it's tough sometimes to not want another person there to cuddle or simply talk to in more than just a friendly way, but don't sell yourself short.

Be happy with what you currently have, and if you want a relationship, make sure that you aren't putting your priorities and needs last.

You deserve to find someone who meets what you realistically expect and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.