As a woman, we are expected to be independent. We are expected to only rely on ourselves and that we don't need a man to complete us. Independence is a great characteristic to have, but everyone has their missing puzzle piece. Everyone has or will meet that one person who will turn your life upside down and make you realize they were the person you needed all along.

Many people think that being in a relationship means being dependent on that other person for everything. Being in a relationship means still being independent, but you have that person to go to for everything. They will be your backbone, your support system, the person you can go to when you feel you can't be independent. And that's totally normal.

We need to stray away from the term "dependent" and lean towards "depend on". The two terms hold completely different meanings, one being needing someone for financial or emotional support and the other is having someone you can count on. Your S.O. should be someone you can depend on. Sure, you need their support when you are going through tough times, or when you want to share exciting news, but that does not mean you are dependent on them.

It is absolutely possible to be independent while in a relationship. You can both still do your own thing, do things you like, have a girls/guys night. Your S.O. loves you for you. They will always encourage you to be yourself and support you for that.

BUT, having that other person is fun and exciting. If you want to text all day, do it! If you want to workout together everyday, do it! It is totally OK to want to spend a lot of time with them. That's the beautiful part about being in love; they become your best friend. Don't let anyone tell you what you are doing is wrong, it's your relationship and you can do whatever you want.

Once you find that missing puzzle piece, you will realize how really beautiful life is. Having someone in your life that you can depend on, who you love with all your heart and who loves you with all their heart, is truly a blessing. It is OK to have to rely on them once in a while. Having a S.O. is being able to rely on them, being able to open up and talk about your struggles, and being able to open your heart to true love. Don't let dependency or independency scare you away from something as amazing as love.

Do what you want in your relationship, be your own person, love yourself and love your S.O. Just love.

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." -Maya Angelou