It is easy to get caught up in wanting to get into a relationship in college, but this is the time you are supposed to figure out who you are. Don't let your friends or social media pressure you into the mentality of being in a relationship.

In high school, I was the person to always have a boyfriend. I dated a boy from my freshman year to the beginning of my senior year. Then dated another boy for a couple of months later my senior year. This was the last time I was in a serious committed relationship and, mind you, I am now ending my junior year of college. During those four years, I was so consumed with the vision of love as a teenager. You see all these romantic comedies that take place in high school and you want to have that relationship.

When I started college, I was wanting to have every college experience that I had seen in the shows and movies. Then I realized it wasn't realistic and not in my best interest to do so. I was more focused on school and maintaining my scholarship than worrying about boys and relationships.

As time went on, I found it within myself that I was relying on needing a relationship. I learned that I have more time to myself to focus on school and just me in general. In high school, I always had someone, and yes it felt nice, but it wasn't me. At the time, I felt like that I hadn't figured out myself yet and it would be beneficial to do so. You are stuck with you and only you for the rest of your life, so make the best of it. Learn to love and accept yourself as you grow. Don't go looking for a relationship when it isn't meant to happen. Relationships happen naturally and you simply can't force one to happen. It is commonly known that you can't love someone else until you love yourself.

In college, you start getting consumed with so many responsibilities between your grades, wanting to find a job, keeping a social life, and staying healthy. With all this summed up, you start to figure out what kind of lifestyle is best for you. You develop the strength to be strong on your own.

For example, I have plans for applying to grad school, taking the GRE, obtaining an internship, and keeping on top of my two jobs. Adding a relationship to this would drive me crazy. I can't even keep up with myself. I have realized that it's okay to just focus on yourself.

I noticed that in the past I lost some friends because I was in a relationship. College is the time that you will grow your friendships as well as create new ones. Sometimes in relationships, you can lose your friends because of your significant other. If you are single, you don't have to worry about that.

With all of this being said, it is okay to be single. You can focus on yourself and grow without fear about leaving your significant other behind. Go out, be selfish, be yourself, and enjoy life. Life isn't about having a relationship status.