Too many times I’ve watched some of my best friends and girls who I love settle for far less than what they deserve. You think being with someone — heck, anyone — is good enough for you, but I think sometimes girls don't realize that they're better than the first guy who told them "you're pretty." If you feel like you're the girl in a rut with a relationship, the girl who fakes happy just because or the girl who secretly wishes she was getting more, then listen up. If your friends have ever given you this talk before, I’m here to give it to you again. So, to all the girls in the less than perfect relationships — this one’s for you.

Don’t settle

I understand that it’s easier said than done, but it really shouldn’t be. You stress yourself out in hopes of reaching perfection, but yet you settle for someone who doesn’t see that in you? You have such big dreams and work so hard, but yet you settle for someone whose goal is to just pass the class and not work a real job in 10 years? I don’t think so. You are so much better than someone who’s below your standards. Don’t settle for them just because they’re there.

You should be happy

Similar to not settling, you should always strive to be happy. You should never allow someone to question your self-worth or question the decisions you make. Instead, you should be surrounded by someone who cheers you on, wants to be a part of your successes and pick you up after you fall. Note: this means they should not be the reason you fail. Also, no one is actually happy that the guy they’re falling for only calls at 2 a.m. I don’t care what act you’re putting on; you’re not happy. Get out of the situation. You’ll be happy to know that someone will call at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and at 2 a.m. when you’re married and sleep next to them one day.

Prince Charming does exist and you should wait for yours

Yeah, it might take time for your knight in shining armor to sweep you off your feet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. The good guys are still out there; the ones who open car doors, make you feel loved and buy you flowers just because. They do exist, and you shouldn’t be with someone who does anything short of this. Why would you waste your time, energy and stress on someone who doesn't make every day feel like a fairy tale? The prince you fell in love with after watching Cinderella is out there. Don’t let down your 7-year-old self by accepting anything less.

Listen girls, I know it’s hard. Life has a funny way of working and sometimes you take what’s right in front of you just because it’s easy. Well, I’m telling you to wait until you find the absolute perfect guy for you (but don't lie to yourself — he’s not a perfect person, just perfect enough for you). Would you want your daughter to be with someone who was just OK? Someone who cheated on her and only gave her half of his attention? No. So stop accepting that for yourself. Stop wasting your time. You deserve better, and I’m challenging you to let go of what you have now to find it.