Summer and fall are when weddings are everywhere around us. Not to mention all couples take full advantage of the summer weather to post about their amazing adventures with their other halves. I however have not enjoyed this weather since August of 2015. Living in Montana, where a lot of people live more conservatively, one of the questions that I get asked on an almost daily basis is, "When are you going to get married?" It seems like we still live in a society where a woman cannot be happy unless she is with a man or vice versa.
I can admit that I use to think that in order to be happy, I needed a man to help with that. This past year has changed that mindset for myself. Throughout this year I was able to accomplish so many things that I would not have been able to do with a significant other. I had time to sit and think about what made me happy and what I wanted to do with my life. The past two and half years I had two significant relationships, both of which I started forming my life around. During those times I did what made us as a couple happy. I sacrificed my alone time to make sure the relationship was strong. Even though I was creating a strong relationship, I forgot about who I was as a person. I forgot how much I loved talking about politics, how much I love fashion, and how much I love hanging out with my girlfriends. This guy cleanse has shown me who my true friends are. I can now say that I became a better person for myself when I take out the image that I need a man in my life.
It has not been easy to be a single 21-year-old college student and not worry about relationships. I have had many moments where I say to myself, "how does she get a boyfriend and I can’t?" and other moments I just want to cave in and lower my standards so I can have that super cute couple profile picture again. However, I have a great friends who tell me to not lower my standards. Taking time to find myself again by going on hikes and laughing with my girls, I found my goal in life and I wish to reach it with or without a man. I personally believe that every girl or guy needs to take some time and pause on falling in love and really find out who they are inside. Take your you time and find out if you are searching in the right places and if you are moving in the right direction. Think about what you gave up in a relationship and see if you wish to start it again. You never know, you may discover something that surprises you.
